Controversial Car Opinions Part 2
About this episode
Dive into the latest automotive debates and hands-on reviews with the Car Torque crew. David Prince shares his surprising first-drive impressions of the new hybrid Honda Prelude, detailing its Civic Type R underpinnings and clever design Easter eggs. The team also recaps a massive Honda live-stream event, a 40th-anniversary Integra Cars and Coffee meet, and the trials of unexpected body shop repairs. It is a packed session of real-world driving impressions and classic Japanese car nostalgia.
On this episode of Car Torque, Matty, Jim, David, Luka, Anthony, Scotty and Rob tell their latest updates as well as discuss more controversial car opinions to which gets heated over heated seats!
Mr Turbo Terry runs the car quiz with special guest Steph joining in on the fun!
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David and Eds Podcast Autoretro
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#Carupdates
#2026
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1991 Honda Prelude
"...they rest-o-modded a four-wheel steer 91 prelude live, which, when I say rest-o-modded, effectively, they had some mechanics, doing some work on the car, putting coilovers on it..."
This is a sporty two-door car from Honda built in 1991. It is famous because all four of its wheels could turn when you steered, making it incredibly easy to park and very stable when changing lanes on the highway.
The third-generation Honda Prelude is a front-wheel-drive sports coupe famous for introducing the world's first passenger car mechanical four-wheel steering (4WS) system. This system steered the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds for a tight turning circle, and in the same direction at high speeds for lane-change stability.
Acura Integra
"...dle twix, I think her handle is, and she's got an Integra, does all the work on it herself, she's a real ca..."
The Acura Integra is a sporty, premium compact car made by Acura (the luxury division of Honda). It is designed for drivers who want a practical hatchback that is also fun and engaging to drive.
The Acura Integra is a premium compact car that returned to the market for the 2023 model year as a sporty liftback based on the Honda Civic platform. Historically, the Integra (especially the 1990s generations) is legendary among car enthusiasts for its high-revving VTEC engines, exceptional front-wheel-drive handling, and tuner-friendly nature. The modern version continues this legacy by offering a manual transmission and a high-performance Type S variant.
Jaguar Coupe Type
"I was expecting it to be good, but I wasn't expecting it to be great, and as far as the multitude of preludes I've driven over the years, which have always fallen into that luxury coupé, sort of upmarket coupé type mould, it absolutely nails that brief. And it's, whereas everyone knows by now, it's got the Type R Civic underpinnings in the front, missing the turbo engine, of course,"
The Jaguar F-Type is a fast, luxury sports car made by the British company Jaguar. It is known for its beautiful design and the very loud, exciting sound of its engine.
The Jaguar F-Type is a front-engined luxury sports car produced from 2013 to 2024, serving as the spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type. Available as both a coupe and a convertible, it is renowned for its gorgeous styling, sharp handling, and dramatic exhaust notes, particularly from its supercharged V6 and V8 engine options. It represents Jaguar's modern era of traditional internal combustion performance.
Toyota Camry
"...t you so you can't slide across like you can in a Camry. You got to just kind of like work yourself a hol..."
The Toyota Camry is a mid-sized four-door sedan made by the Japanese automaker Toyota. It is designed to be a comfortable, spacious, and highly reliable car for everyday driving.
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan that has long served as a benchmark for reliable, comfortable, and efficient family transportation. The current generation features an all-hybrid powertrain lineup, offering excellent fuel economy alongside updated safety tech and a more modern interior. It is highly favored by daily commuters and fleet operators alike.
Ford Mustang
"... I hope they will they're already out selling the Mustangs. I don't know how long they'll do that. But I'm v..."
The Ford Mustang is a sporty, two-door American car made by Ford. It is famous for its powerful engine options and sporty styling, designed for drivers who want a fun and fast-looking vehicle.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American pony car that entered its seventh generation (S650) for the 2024 model year, continuing to offer traditional V8 and turbocharged four-cylinder engine options. It is celebrated for its heritage, aggressive styling, and rear-wheel-drive performance. The current generation features a highly digitized interior with dual customizable screens alongside classic muscle car performance.
Honda Integra Type R (DC2)
"We had two bright yellow. I think it's called Phoenix yellow. I think you're right. Phoenix yellow. It's called Phoenix yellow to Phoenix yellow DC2 Type Rs there..."
This is a legendary Japanese sports car from the late 1990s. It is famous for having an engine that screams to incredibly high RPMs and handling so perfectly that many experts call it the best front-wheel-drive car ever made.
The Honda Integra Type R (DC2) is widely heralded as one of the greatest-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever produced. It features a hand-polished, high-revving B18C engine, a seam-welded chassis for extra stiffness, and a factory helical limited-slip differential.
Volvo XC60
"Sounds good. Is your Volvo an XC 60? It is an XC 60."
The Volvo XC60 is a mid-sized luxury SUV made by the Swedish company Volvo. It is built to be extremely safe, comfortable, and stylish for families.
The Volvo XC60 is a premium compact luxury crossover SUV that serves as one of the Swedish brand's best-selling models. It is highly regarded for its elegant Scandinavian interior design, advanced safety technology, and comfortable ride quality. The current generation offers mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, emphasizing Volvo's shift toward electrification.
Nissan Skyline (R31)
"So all of last week, I drove the R31 to and from work... The accelerator in it's like very stiff, even though I've got a new cable and everything, but it seems to be a very common thing with the R31."
This is a boxy, retro Nissan sedan from the late 1980s. It is loved by car enthusiasts because it sends power to the rear wheels and uses a very tough six-cylinder engine that is easy to modify for drifting or racing.
The R31-generation Nissan Skyline is a boxy 1980s sedan and coupe that introduced the legendary RB-series straight-six engine family. In Australia, it was locally manufactured and became a cult classic, highly favored by enthusiasts for its rear-wheel-drive layout and easy engine-swapping potential.
Toyota Crown
"For a new car. I heard there's a Toyota Crown, which is for sale with a whole lot of parts. Yea..."
The Toyota Crown is a premium car made by Toyota. For decades it was a luxury sedan, but the newest version is a taller, modern hybrid vehicle designed for comfort and style.
The Toyota Crown is one of Toyota's longest-running and most prestigious nameplates, historically serving as a premium, rear-wheel-drive sedan primarily for the Japanese market. In recent years, Toyota transformed the Crown into a global lineup, including a high-riding sedan-crossover hybrid. Older generations are highly sought after by enthusiasts as comfortable, reliable luxury cruisers with robust drivetrains.
Honda Civic (EK)
"Firstly, I'll go to the EK Civic. So I've been having a few issues lately where I'll be driving after say half an hour, 40 minutes, that it'll, it feels like it's just lost power..."
This refers to the popular Honda Civic model built in the late 1990s. It is highly prized by car enthusiasts because it is lightweight, handles incredibly well, and can easily be modified with faster Honda engines.
The EK-generation Honda Civic, produced from 1995 to 2000, is a legendary compact car celebrated for its lightweight chassis and double-wishbone suspension. It served as the foundation for the very first Civic Type R (EK9) and remains a favorite platform for Honda tuners worldwide.
Ford Laser SR2
"And I also figured it was probably, probably about time to say what the mystery car that I bought was, which is a blue SR2... It's a late 02 car. So it's very much towards the end of the lifespan of the laser and the SR2 manual, obviously."
This is a sporty hatchback sold by Ford in Australia in the early 2000s. It was actually based on a Mazda design and is loved by budget car fans for being reliable, practical, and fun to drive with a manual gearbox.
The Ford Laser SR2 is a sporty, warm-hatch variant of the final-generation Ford Laser (which was a rebadged Mazda 323/Familia). Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it offered a manual transmission, unique body kit, and white-faced gauges, making it a rare and beloved budget enthusiast car in Australia.
Honda Crv
"... I've arranged with my sister to go and look at a CRV on Sunday because she needs to update. So hopeful..."
The Honda CR-V is a five-seat sport utility vehicle (SUV) made by Honda. It is designed for families who need a roomy, safe, and reliable vehicle with plenty of cargo space.
The Honda CR-V is a highly popular compact crossover SUV known for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and excellent safety ratings. The sixth-generation model offers both traditional gasoline and highly efficient hybrid powertrains, making it a staple for families seeking practical daily transportation. Its user-friendly technology and strong resale value keep it highly competitive in its class.
Chrysler Country Town
"...s like literally it used to be in a, for her in a country town. Uh, the policeman would pick you up."
The Chrysler Town & Country is a large family minivan made by Chrysler. It was designed to carry up to seven people comfortably and is famous for seats that can fold completely into the floor to make room for cargo.
The Chrysler Town & Country is a family of luxury minivans produced by Chrysler from 1989 to 2016, pioneering many modern minivan conveniences. It was highly regarded for its comfortable ride, upscale interior features, and innovative 'Stow 'n Go' seating, which allowed the second and third-row seats to fold completely flat into the floor. It was eventually succeeded by the Chrysler Pacifica.
BMW E60
"you know, really impressive car people in America. Like for example, they got an E 60 in a manual, you know, M five in a manual. And, and they get, they still get the Conan threes as manual, whereas the UK don't and"
The BMW E60 is a mid-sized luxury sedan built in the 2000s. The high-performance version, called the M5, is famous for having a massive, loud V10 engine similar to a race car.
The E60 generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 2003 to 2010, is famous for its bold styling and advanced technology. The high-performance M5 variant of this generation is legendary for housing a Formula 1-inspired 5.0-liter V10 engine, which was uniquely offered with a six-speed manual transmission exclusively in the North American market. It represents a high-water mark for naturally aspirated engine performance in a mid-size luxury sedan.
Honda Beats
"...re hundreds of cars in stock. There'll be like 40 Honda beats lined up and there's like 30 Nissan figure. I mea..."
The Honda Beat is a tiny, two-seat convertible car made by Honda in the 1990s. It was designed to fit Japan's 'Kei car' rules, meaning it has a very small engine but is incredibly fun and easy to park.
The Honda Beat is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster Kei car produced from 1991 to 1996, designed to comply with Japan's strict tax and size regulations. It features a tiny, high-revving 656cc three-cylinder engine equipped with Honda's MTREC multi-throttle chamber system, producing a modest 63 horsepower. It is celebrated for its go-kart-like handling, open-top driving experience, and zebra-patterned seats.
Kei car
"...especially around K cars that the regulations do seem to vacillate quite a bit. I often see stories where people have in various states are bought them and then that states outlawed K cars for the road over there."
This is a category of tiny, boxy cars built in Japan. They are designed to fit into tight city streets and are legally restricted to very small engines, but they are loved worldwide for their cute designs and clever use of space.
A Kei car (or keijidōsha) is a Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars. They are strictly limited in physical dimensions, engine displacement (660cc), and power output (64 HP) to qualify for lower tax and insurance rates in Japan.
Toyota Tundra
"...t sure if you've seen, but the, the American book Tundras and Highlanders, AK collugas that are now being s..."
The Toyota Tundra is a very large pickup truck made by Toyota. It is designed for heavy-duty tasks like towing trailers, hauling cargo, and driving on rough terrain.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck designed primarily for the North American market, featuring a fully boxed steel frame and a coil-spring rear suspension. The third-generation model replaced the traditional V8 with a twin-turbo V6 engine, available with an optional hybrid system for increased towing power and efficiency. It is built to compete directly with heavy-duty American trucks while maintaining Toyota's reputation for durability.
FPV F6 Typhoon
"Well I want to just say like my typhoon is just a Falcon. I'm not paying. No, that's your problem. Matt is because it's a Falcon his wife sought after."
This is a high-performance Australian sedan built by Ford's special tuning division. It uses a massive turbocharged six-cylinder engine that is famous for making incredible amounts of power, making it a highly collectible muscle car today.
The FPV F6 Typhoon is a high-performance Australian muscle sedan built by Ford Performance Vehicles. It is powered by a legendary turbocharged 4.0-liter 'Barra' inline-six engine, producing immense torque and earning a reputation for easily defeating V8 rivals of its era.
Ford Falcon
"...ell, I want to just say like my typhoon is just a Falcon. I'm not paying."
The Ford Falcon was a popular mid-to-large-sized car built and sold in Australia. It was known for being a tough, spacious family car with a powerful engine that drove the rear wheels.
The Ford Falcon was a long-running line of passenger cars manufactured by Ford Australia from 1960 to 2016. It was highly celebrated for its durable rear-wheel-drive platform and powerful engine options, including the legendary Barra turbocharged inline-six. The high-performance variants, such as those tuned by Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), became icons of Australian automotive muscle.
GMC Typhoon
"...r car, isn't it? Well, I want to just say like my typhoon is just a Falcon. I'm not paying."
The GMC Typhoon is a special, high-performance SUV built in the early 1990s. It looked like a standard utility vehicle but was modified to be incredibly fast, using a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
The GMC Typhoon is a high-performance SUV produced for the 1992 and 1993 model years, based on the GMC Jimmy. It is famous for its turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine, all-wheel-drive system, and self-leveling air suspension, which allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds—unheard of for an SUV at the time. It remains a highly collectible cult classic of the 1990s.
Byd Seal
"Absolutely not. So I've tried them in a BYD seal. As in I was a passenger when someone else turned..."
The BYD Seal is a modern, fully electric four-door sedan made by the Chinese company BYD. It runs entirely on battery power and is designed to be high-tech, fast, and efficient.
The BYD Seal is an all-electric compact executive sedan produced by Chinese manufacturer BYD Auto, designed to compete directly in the global EV market. Built on the company's advanced e-Platform 3.0, it features 'Cell-to-Body' technology where the battery is integrated directly into the vehicle's structure for improved rigidity and safety. It is highly regarded for its sleek aerodynamics, impressive driving range, and competitive pricing.
Ford Puma
"That's fine. I had a rental Ford Puma when I dropped off my Fiesta for a service a few ..."
The Ford Puma is a small, stylish SUV made by Ford. It is designed for city driving, offering a higher seating position and good fuel economy in a compact size.
The Ford Puma is a subcompact crossover SUV sold primarily in Europe and Australasia, sharing its platform with the Ford Fiesta. It is highly praised for its sharp handling, efficient mild-hybrid powertrains, and clever practical features like the 'Megabox' under-floor storage. It successfully transitioned the Puma nameplate from a 1990s sport coupe into a modern, sporty family vehicle.
Ford Fiesta
"...e. I had a rental Ford Puma when I dropped off my Fiesta for a service a few years ago."
The Ford Fiesta is a small, affordable hatchback made by Ford. It is designed to be easy to drive, highly fuel-efficient, and practical for city parking.
The Ford Fiesta is a globally popular subcompact car celebrated for its nimble handling, efficient engines, and fun-to-drive character. Though discontinued in 2023, it remains a staple of the used car market, particularly in Europe and Australia. The high-performance Fiesta ST variant is widely considered one of the best hot hatchbacks of its generation.
Restomod
"I really don't like restomods. Oh, we just talked about. I agree. I agree. I think an old car should be an old car with old drum brakes and she suspension."
This is a classic car that looks old on the outside but has been rebuilt with modern parts underneath—like a modern engine, better brakes, air conditioning, and digital screens—so it drives like a brand-new car.
A restomod is a classic vehicle that has been restored but modified with modern parts, technology, and safety features. The goal is to retain the vintage styling of the original vehicle while providing contemporary performance, reliability, and comfort.
Toyota 2000 Gt
"Yeah. So like a Toyota 2000 GT for $250,000 on a Camry. But it's got like, it's ..."
The Toyota 2000GT is a rare, beautiful sports car built by Toyota in the late 1960s. It is famous for being Japan's first true supercar and is now worth a fortune to collectors.
The Toyota 2000GT is a limited-production sports car built between 1967 and 1970 in collaboration with Yamaha. It revolutionized the global perception of Japanese automakers, proving they could design and build a world-class, high-performance grand tourer. With its stunning aluminum body, inline-six engine, and extremely low production numbers, it is now a highly coveted million-dollar collector car.
Shelby Cobra
"... car. So, yeah. But, yeah, so... What about an 18 cobra? Is it still making them today? It's a kick car. ..."
The Shelby Cobra is a famous, lightweight two-seat sports car from the 1960s with a very powerful engine. Today, most of the ones you see are replica 'kit cars' built by enthusiasts from parts packages.
The Shelby Cobra is a legendary sports car born in the 1960s from AC Cars' lightweight British chassis paired with a powerful Ford V8 engine, conceptualized by Carroll Shelby. Because original models are incredibly rare and valuable, it has become one of the most replicated vehicles in history, with numerous companies offering 'kit car' replicas. These replicas allow enthusiasts to build and customize their own high-performance roadsters.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...e example, but if you had only made the 70 series Land Cruiser up until 1990, stopped making it and then re-indu..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is a rugged, boxy off-road vehicle built by Toyota. It is designed to be extremely tough and simple so it can drive through harsh environments like deserts and mountains without breaking down.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is a legendary, heavy-duty family of off-road vehicles that has been in continuous production since 1984. Renowned for its unmatched durability, mechanical simplicity, and go-anywhere capability, it is widely used in extreme environments like the Australian Outback and mining sectors. Despite its vintage design, Toyota continues to update it with modern safety features and engine options to meet current regulations.
Renault Alpine
"Matt? Is it Renault Alpine? No."
The Alpine A610 is a rare, sporty two-door car made by a French company owned by Renault in the 1990s. It has its engine in the back of the car, similar to a Porsche, and is known for its sleek, aerodynamic look.
The Alpine A610 (marketed in some regions as the Renault Alpine A610) is a rare, rear-engined sports coupe produced from 1991 to 1995. It was the final model produced under the Alpine brand before its temporary hiatus, featuring a fiberglass body over a steel chassis and a turbocharged PRV V6 engine. It was praised for its excellent handling and high-speed stability but struggled to compete commercially with established sports cars.
Bay to Birdwood
"Beta Bird Wood registrations open Monday morning. Be there or be square. I will be putting my cars in. Beta Bird Wood."
This is a famous annual classic car event in South Australia where thousands of vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles drive together in a massive parade from the beach up into the hills to a motor museum.
The Bay to Birdwood is one of the world's great historic motoring events, held annually in South Australia. It features a massive parade of thousands of classic, veteran, and vintage vehicles traveling from West Beach (the Bay) to the National Motor Museum in Birdwood.
BMW E30
"give it a run. The E30? That would be fun. The E30. That would be a bit ..."
The BMW E30 is an older version of the BMW 3 Series, built in the 1980s and early 1990s. It is a small, sporty car that is highly loved by car enthusiasts for how fun it is to drive.
The E30 generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994, is one of the most iconic compact executive cars in automotive history. It established the template for the modern sports sedan with its balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis, tactile steering, and iconic styling. It is highly prized today by collectors and enthusiasts, particularly the high-performance M3 variant.
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