Crew Show; The Autopian’s Predictions For 2024
About this episode
The Autopian crew wraps up 2023 with a lively discussion on their favorite automotive stories and predictions for 2024. Highlights include a deep dive into the most popular articles of the year, including the legendary Cummins engine and the quirks of the Nissan Leaf. The team debates the cultural implications of the Cybertruck and shares insights on the evolving automotive market. With humor and camaraderie, they explore the future of car ownership, consumer trends, and the potential for mergers in the industry. A perfect blend of chaos and automotive passion!
This podcast is brought to by "Torch's heart". He really gave it his all for this one.
Join the entire Autopian staff as they round up the final podcast of Season 2: DT, Beau, Matt. Adrian, Mercedes, Peter, Thomas, The Goss and a very special appearance by Jason Torchinsky.
The Heartbeat of America.
Mentioned in this episode:
Jeep YJ
"Thanks, actually, bought this YJ a few weeks ago."
The Jeep YJ is a type of Jeep Wrangler made between 1987 and 1995. It's popular for off-roading and has a unique look with square headlights.
The Jeep YJ is a model of the Jeep Wrangler that was produced from 1987 to 1995. It is known for its rugged off-road capabilities and distinctive square headlights, which set it apart from its predecessor, the CJ series.
Dodge Ram
"you could buy a Dodge Ram with a manual transmission"
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that's great for hauling things and is popular among people who need a reliable vehicle for work or play.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and performance, often favored for both work and recreational use.
Cummins 5.9
"Hear about the Cummins five nine, which is a legendary 12 valve, unkillable engine."
The Cummins 5.9 is a strong diesel engine that many trucks use because it's tough and lasts a long time.
The Cummins 5.9 is a turbocharged inline-six diesel engine known for its reliability and performance, often used in heavy-duty trucks.
Bmw I3
"Another one that did a lot of page use this year was the BMW i3 that I bought after Thomas basically."
The BMW i3 is a small electric car that's designed for city driving and is made with environmentally friendly materials.
The BMW i3 is an electric city car known for its unique design and sustainable materials, aimed at urban drivers looking for an eco-friendly vehicle.
carbon fiber body
"He could he's like, dude, carbon fiber body. It's got an engine, rear engine, rear wheel drive."
A carbon fiber body is made from a special lightweight material that is very strong. This helps the car be more efficient and perform better because it weighs less.
A carbon fiber body refers to a vehicle structure made from carbon fiber, a lightweight and strong material that enhances performance and efficiency. It is often used in high-end sports cars and electric vehicles to reduce weight.
rear engine
"It's got an engine, rear engine, rear wheel drive. They're dirt cheap. What are you doing?"
A rear engine means the car's engine is located at the back instead of the front. This can help the car grip the road better and handle turns more effectively.
A rear engine layout means that the engine is located at the back of the vehicle, which can improve traction and handling. This design is often found in sports cars and some compact vehicles.
rear wheel drive
"It's got an engine, rear engine, rear wheel drive. They're dirt cheap. What are you doing?"
Rear wheel drive means the car's power goes to the back wheels, which can make it faster and more fun to drive, especially when going around corners.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle layout where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels, enhancing acceleration and handling, especially in performance cars. It can provide a more engaging driving experience.
Nissan Leaf
"So the one I couldn't charge was the leaf. Did you read that story, by the way?"
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that doesn't use gasoline. It's designed to be environmentally friendly and is known for being affordable and easy to drive.
The Nissan Leaf is a popular all-electric hatchback known for its practicality and efficiency. It was one of the first mass-market electric vehicles, making it a significant player in the EV market.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...raise an important question. And that is, is the Cybertruck right in the middle of the culture war? Well, we..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a unique electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It's made to be tough and is part of Tesla's plan to make more electric vehicles.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its distinctive angular design and durable exoskeleton. It represents Tesla's foray into the truck market and has sparked discussions about its cultural implications and technological advancements.
Supercharged V8
"...this, a 700 horsepower Supercharged V8 story that Thomas wrote. People really latched on to this."
A supercharged V8 is a type of engine that has a device called a supercharger, which helps it produce more power by forcing in extra air. This makes the engine much stronger and faster than regular engines.
A supercharged V8 engine uses a supercharger to force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce significantly more power. This results in higher horsepower and torque compared to naturally aspirated engines.
horsepower
"And who doesn't love cheap horse power? Exactly. Exactly. It appeals to, you know, the value proposition for for all of it."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a vehicle go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, and higher horsepower generally means better performance.
GMC Tornado
"...this crazy Argosi GMC, you know, Tornado based camber, which I love these. But I've never seen one done up like an Airstream itself..."
The GMC Tornado is a small truck made by GMC that was popular in the past. It has a distinctive look and was used for various purposes.
The GMC Tornado is a compact pickup truck produced by GMC in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its unique design and features.
Airstream
"...done up like an Airstream itself with the crazy, you know, polished metal look on the outside."
Airstream is a company that makes shiny, silver travel trailers that people use for camping and road trips. They are known for their unique design.
Airstream is a brand known for its distinctive aluminum travel trailers, which are often associated with a retro, polished metal look.
barn find
"And so, like, it's like found like a barn finder or a crappy motorcycle."
A barn find is when someone finds an old car that has been hidden away for a long time, usually in a barn. These cars can be special and worth a lot to collectors.
A barn find refers to a vehicle that has been discovered after being stored away for a long time, often in a barn or garage. These cars can be valuable to collectors, especially if they are rare or in good condition despite their age.
fuel hose
"...a lot of German cars had this fuel hose that has this braided outside and a rubber inside. And the rubber always decays in the inside and separates out."
A fuel hose is a tube that carries fuel to the engine. In some older cars, these hoses can wear out and start leaking, which can be dangerous.
A fuel hose is a flexible tube that transports fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. In older cars, especially German models, these hoses often have a braided exterior for added strength and a rubber interior that can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
Bugatti Veyron
"Definitely the Bugatti Veyron people and they would have the pole. Like Ferdinand Pike could have made this happen, probably with a phone."
The Bugatti Veyron is a super fast car that was once the fastest in the world, known for its powerful engine and luxury features.
The Bugatti Veyron is a high-performance sports car known for its exceptional speed and engineering, often regarded as one of the fastest production cars in the world.
Toyota Tundra
"...ike they just put fiberglass panels over a Toyota Tundra or Tacoma. And then poorly, I don't know what it..."
Toyota Tacoma
"...fiberglass panels over a Toyota Tundra or Tacoma. And then poorly, I don't know what it's kind of way of saying..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck compared to the Tundra, and it's great for driving off-road or for everyday use. It's popular for its reliability and ability to handle rough terrain.
The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck that is known for its off-road capabilities and versatility. It is popular among those who need a smaller truck for both work and leisure activities.
Foxconn
"and now it's all Foxconn because Foxconn bought it. So it says Foxconn everywhere on the old."
Foxconn is a big company that usually makes electronics, like smartphones. Now, they are also getting into making cars, especially electric ones.
Foxconn is a major electronics manufacturer that has expanded into the automotive sector, including partnerships with various car companies to produce electric vehicles.
Fisker
"Well, they were going to build those along with the Fisker and then Foxconn is the one that I don't know."
Fisker is a car company that makes electric cars. They are known for their stylish designs and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Fisker is an American automotive company known for producing electric vehicles, including the Fisker Karma and the upcoming Fisker Ocean.
bumper tail lights
"They're doing the bumper tail lights, which nobody likes. And they have the ones that are confusing because everybody wants to look at the upper ones, but all the actions actually happening in the bumper."
Bumper tail lights are the lights at the back of a car, usually found on the bumper. They help other drivers see when you're stopping or reversing, but their position can sometimes be confusing.
Bumper tail lights are the lights located on the rear bumper of a vehicle, often used for signaling and visibility. They can sometimes be positioned lower than traditional tail lights, which can confuse drivers about their function.
BMW Series Bmw
"...ece right before that that said he bought a five series BMW to prove the haters wrong. So I said, let's just..."
The BMW 7 Series is a big luxury car that has all the latest tech and comfort features. It's considered one of the best cars BMW makes.
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that showcases the brand's latest technology and comfort features. It is often discussed for its status as a flagship model in the BMW lineup.
Buick Park
"...ep that theme going. And I'll do it with the the Buick Park Ave. There it is. Exactly."
The Buick Park Avenue is a big, comfortable car that people used to drive for a smooth ride. It's known for being a nice, classic luxury vehicle.
The Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan known for its spacious interior and smooth ride. It has been a symbol of American luxury and comfort, often discussed for its classic appeal.
headliner
"...right into the headliner, as you could see right there, which turned into a Petri dish."
The headliner is the fabric or material that lines the inside roof of a car. It's there to make the car look nicer and help with noise and temperature control.
The headliner is the material that covers the interior roof of a vehicle. It serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, providing insulation and soundproofing while also enhancing the car's interior appearance.
Ford Ranchero
"...the roof off and trying to make an El Park Amino ranchero out of it. I haven't heard of it."
The Ford Ranchero is a mix between a car and a truck that was made a long time ago. It's interesting because it combines features of both types of vehicles.
The Ford Ranchero is a car-truck hybrid produced from the 1950s to the 1970s, combining the comfort of a car with the utility of a pickup. It is often discussed for its unique design and nostalgic value.
column shift
"You know, it's got a column shift. Yeah, it's like Vella on every part of the interior. And, you know, I mean, look at those gauges."
A column shift is where the gear lever is located on the steering column instead of on the floor. It was popular in older cars and helps save space inside the car.
A column shift refers to a gear selector mechanism mounted on the steering column of a vehicle, typically used in older cars. This design was common in many American cars, allowing for more space in the center console.
American cars vs European cars
"But to me, it's it's like so different to a European car. And I just think that to make loose,"
This concept talks about how American cars and European cars are different. American cars usually have bigger engines and focus on comfort, while European cars are often designed for better handling and performance.
The discussion contrasts American cars with European cars, often highlighting differences in design philosophy, performance, and features. American cars are typically known for larger engines and comfort, while European cars often emphasize handling and engineering precision.
Mercedes-Benz Aclass
"another friend of a friend of the of the site today, who has his own car selling site and he got a Mercedes A-Class. And it's like 11,000 dollars."
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a small luxury car that has nice features and a comfortable ride. It's a good option for people looking for a fancy car without going too big.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury car that offers a blend of performance, technology, and comfort. It is often discussed for its entry-level luxury appeal and advanced features.
Audi A2
"...y it. Because the answer is what you want is the Audi A2. The Audi A2 is the good one."
The Audi A2 is a small car that was made a while ago and is known for being light and space-efficient. Some people really like it because it's different from other cars.
The Audi A2 is a compact car that was produced from 1999 to 2005, known for its innovative aluminum construction and efficient use of space. It has a cult following for its unique design and practicality.
Rover 800
"I would say like the 90s Rover or something. I think you guys got you called it the Stirling, didn't you? It's like the Rover 800 space. So I actually like those."
The Rover 800 is a car that was made in the UK during the late 1980s and 1990s. It was designed to be comfortable and spacious, but it wasn't always very reliable.
The Rover 800 was a mid-size car produced by the British automaker Rover Group from 1986 to 1999. It was known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, but it struggled with reliability issues.
Montego
"But the thing is, actually, those were 800. So this is a Montego. We're looking at this."
The Rover Montego is another car made by Rover, produced in the 1980s and early 1990s. It was designed to be practical and came in different versions, like a sedan and a station wagon.
The Rover Montego is a compact car produced by Rover from 1984 to 1991. It was known for its practicality and was available in various configurations, including a sedan and estate version.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
"...we go to Goodwood for the festival speed..."
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a big car event in England where people can see many different types of cars racing up a hill. It's a fun place for car lovers to gather and enjoy the excitement.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual hillclimb event held in West Sussex, England, showcasing a variety of cars, from classic vehicles to modern supercars. It is a major event in the automotive calendar, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
Ford Escort
"A car magazine convinced me the 1994 escort was trash."
The Ford Escort is a small car made by Ford, popular for being budget-friendly. The 1994 version is one of the many years it was produced.
The Ford Escort is a compact car that was produced by Ford from 1968 to 2000. The 1994 model is part of the fourth generation of the Escort, known for its affordability and practicality.
Dodge Hornet
"... Yeah. And then you know, Thomas wrote about the Dodge Hornet, all the crazy stuff happening on the forums, wh..."
The Dodge Hornet is a small SUV that looks sporty and is made for people who want a fun car to drive. It's designed to be practical and stylish.
The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV that aims to combine performance with practicality. It is gaining attention for its sporty design and features aimed at younger buyers.
Honda Crv
"...out why driving short distances can kill a newer Honda CRV. People are really interested in like those Achi..."
The Honda CR-V is a family-friendly SUV that offers a lot of space and good gas mileage. Some people are talking about how driving it only short distances might cause problems over time.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has been a popular choice for families due to its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Recent discussions have highlighted potential issues with short-distance driving affecting its longevity.
BMW E39S
"...ys between you and Rob and I3. Wait, we have two E39s now. Oh, wait, we do."
The BMW 5 Series is a nice, mid-sized car that offers a lot of luxury and good performance. It's popular among people who want a fancy and fun car to drive.
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its performance, technology, and comfort. It has a long-standing reputation as a benchmark in the luxury car segment.
Aston Martin Cygnet
"...and Bo has an Aston Martin signet."
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a small luxury car that was made by Aston Martin. It's based on a different car but is designed to look and feel fancy.
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a luxury microcar that was produced by Aston Martin. It is based on the Toyota iQ and was designed to provide a compact and stylish option for urban driving while maintaining the brand's luxury image.
Mazda Cx5
"flat can be taken up with deals. Like I'm seeing Mazda is doing 0% to 60 months on the CX-5. I'm hearing I'm seeing 0% on Ford edges."
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that looks nice and is fun to drive. It's a good choice for people who want a comfortable car for everyday use.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. It has become popular among buyers looking for a balance of comfort, performance, and practicality.
Tesla Model 3
"...stuff they learned with Project Highland and the Model 3, take some of the stuff they learned from the Cy..."
The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller electric car that many people like because it's fast and has cool technology. It's part of Tesla's efforts to make electric cars more common.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that has gained popularity for its performance, range, and advanced technology features. It plays a significant role in Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.