Driven: Kimera 037, GRP P39; Best Dad Wagons; Project Updates

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a midsize luxury sedan (and in some versions, a cabriolet) known for comfort, refinement, and a long-running presence in the luxury-car market. It comes up in discussions when someone wants a specific body style like an E-Class Cabrio and is weighing availability and cost. Podcasts often mention it because it represents a mainstream “daily luxury” choice rather than a niche sports car.

This build is based on a Porsche 911 Turbo S from the 992 generation (the host says “992…Turbo S”). The 992-era Turbo S is Porsche’s high-performance, turbocharged 911 platform, and here it’s being turned into an all-carbon, heavily styled special.

A “full carbon body” means the exterior panels are made from carbon fiber composite rather than steel or aluminum. Carbon fiber is used to reduce weight and allow more complex shapes, which is why it’s common on extreme performance and track-focused builds.

The host also compares the car’s look to the Porsche 911 GT1, a race-bred 911 variant built for top-level motorsport and known for its track-focused aero. Bringing up the GT1 suggests the build is chasing an aggressive, motorsport-inspired bodywork language.

The host compares the car’s styling proportions to the Porsche 959, a landmark 1980s supercar known for advanced engineering and rally-derived tech. Mentioning the 959 signals that the build is aiming for a similar “future-classic” silhouette and visual attitude.

“Horsepower” here is the engine’s power output, expressed as a peak rating. The host uses the number to frame how extreme the build is, especially alongside comments about how it drives and accelerates.

The host says the steering wheel has “knobs…like the GT3 RS” that let you change modes quickly. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is known for driver-focused controls and track-oriented setup changes, so the comparison highlights how this special is meant to feel more like a high-end track 911.

“Bottom end” refers to the lower-RPM portion of the powerband—how the car feels when you’re using lower revs. The host says it stays strong without losing “all the bottom end,” meaning it doesn’t feel flat or lazy at lower engine speeds.

“Shifted really smooth” is describing how the transmission changes gears with minimal jerk or interruption. In performance cars, smooth shifting usually indicates good calibration and driveline behavior under load.

In suspension tuning, “geometry” refers to the alignment settings that determine how the wheels sit and how they move—things like camber, caster, and toe. When the host says it doesn’t look like full geometry changes, they mean the suspension wasn’t comprehensively re-aligned after the modifications.

“Shocks” (shock absorbers) damp the suspension’s movement so the car doesn’t bounce or oscillate. The host is linking the longer control arms to more precise control of the shocks, implying better suspension behavior over bumps and during driving.

A roof scoop is an intake feature that channels air toward the engine or turbo system (or related airflow paths). Here it’s described as functional, and the host notes it changes what you hear and how the car feels—more intake/boost “whooshing” and turbo noise.

“Turbo noises” refers to the characteristic sounds from a turbocharged engine—often including intake whoosh and compressor/boost-related sounds. The host says the functional roof scoop increases how much of that you hear, making the car feel more “fun” even if the ride isn’t harsher.

The Genesis GV60 is a compact electric crossover from Genesis, positioned as a more premium alternative to mainstream EVs. It’s mentioned in the context of an on-road moment (someone scooting into an intersection), which highlights the EV’s quick response and acceleration feel. The podcast uses it as an example of an EV you might notice in real driving.

The host compares the rear-view camera experience to a recent car they had: the Genesis GV60. It’s a modern Genesis crossover/EV platform where the rear visibility is handled via camera rather than a traditional rear window view.

A carbon tub is a carbon-fiber monocoque-style structure that forms the core chassis/occupant cell of a car. Because it’s very stiff and lightweight, it can improve handling response and reduce mass compared with heavier steel or aluminum structures.

TechArt (spoken here as “Techarts”) is an aftermarket tuner known for modifying Porsche models with distinctive styling and performance-oriented upgrades. In this segment, it’s used as a comparison for how subtle or aggressive the Kimera’s design presentation is versus TechArt’s typical approach.

The Lamborghini 350 GT is a classic early Lamborghini model that helped establish the brand’s reputation for grand touring performance. The podcast context references dealer networks and collecting/availability, which is why this specific model comes up. It’s discussed because it represents a historically important and highly sought-after part of Lamborghini’s story.

In a performance car, differentials are the gear mechanisms that let the driven wheels rotate at different speeds while still sending torque to them. The host says the differentials are “constantly scrambling for power,” which is a lay description of how the car’s traction/torque delivery keeps adjusting as grip changes.

“Seek traction” describes the way a car’s drivetrain and traction control systems try to maintain grip when torque demand exceeds available tire grip. When the host says “if you put your foot down… it’s really going to seek traction all the time,” they’re describing frequent traction-limited behavior under hard acceleration.

The Kimera 038 is the all-wheel-drive sibling of the Kimera 037, designed to change how power is delivered to the road. In the segment, the host uses the 037 vs 038 split to explain how drivetrain choice affects traction and how the car behaves when you put power down.

All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to both the front and rear axles, usually improving traction and reducing wheelspin compared with rear-wheel drive. In this episode, the host uses AWD as the key differentiator between the Kimera 038 and the RWD Kimera 037.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means engine torque is sent to the rear axle, which typically gives a more balanced, “driver-focused” feel and can promote oversteer when pushed. The host explicitly contrasts RWD in the Kimera 037 with all-wheel drive in the Kimera 038.

The Kimera 039 is an upcoming Kimera Automobili model announced during the episode. The host frames it as a “no donor car version,” meaning it’s not built from an existing donor vehicle, which is a major distinction for how these cars are sourced and assembled.

A “Koenigsegg motor” here means the engine is sourced from or based on Koenigsegg’s high-performance powertrain technology. Koenigsegg is known for advanced forced-induction setups, so the hosts connect it directly to how intense the car should be.

A donor car is a complete vehicle used as a source of parts and structure for a build, often for registration and legal/structural reasons. Here, the donor car is a Lancia Monte Carlo, and the hosts note they use more than just the VIN—they use chassis bits too.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a classic American personal luxury/performance coupe, known for its distinctive styling and V8-era heritage. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as something “funny to look at,” with the conversation hinting at what the designers kept from earlier ideas. It comes up because it’s a recognizable piece of automotive history and design.

“Bespoke” means custom-built for a specific application rather than a mass-produced engine. In this segment, the hosts say the engine is bespoke, highlighting that the powerplant is tailored to this project’s requirements.

Tal Technica is the company the hosts credit for the engine used in this project. They also connect Tal Technica to another high-performance Toyota application, framing it as an Italian racing-engine specialist.

The Toyota GT 86 is a sports coupe known for a lightweight, driver-focused feel and an emphasis on handling over raw power. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside talk about an engine Toyota makes for a “crazy Toyota GT thing,” highlighting the car’s mechanical appeal. It’s often discussed because it’s an accessible entry point into sports-car driving.

“Twin-charged” here means the engine uses both a supercharger and a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. Combining supercharging and turbocharging is meant to reduce lag and broaden the power band, which is why the hosts call the setup “insane” and “weird.”

A transaxle is a combined gearbox/differential unit, often used to package the drivetrain efficiently and help with weight distribution. In this segment, the hosts specify a six-speed transaxle paired with the longitudinally mounted rear four-cylinder.

“Longitudinally mounted” means the engine is installed lengthwise in the car, with the crankshaft running front-to-back. The hosts mention this layout along with a rear-mounted setup, which affects weight distribution and how the drivetrain is packaged.

A twin-charged engine uses both a supercharger and a turbocharger, which changes how boost builds and how the car responds compared with a single forced-induction system. The hosts say it feels “really weird,” which is consistent with the unusual airflow and boost-control behavior of combined systems.

“Inline six” describes an engine with six cylinders arranged in a single straight line. “Turbo diesels” are compression-ignition engines that use a turbocharger to increase airflow and power.

Volvo is the automaker referenced here in connection with inline-six turbo diesel engines and twin-charging. The point is that Volvo has used this kind of forced-induction strategy in passenger-car applications for years.

In a twin-charged setup, the “blower” is the supercharger that compresses intake air mechanically. Because it’s driven directly by the engine, it can provide boost earlier than a turbo.

A wastegate controls turbo boost by regulating how much exhaust gas bypasses the turbine. When boost is high enough, the wastegate opens to prevent over-boost, and it can create an audible “wastegate noise.”

“Blow off noise” refers to the sound made by a blow-off valve (or diverter valve) when boost is released. It happens during throttle lift or gear changes, venting pressurized air to prevent compressor surge.

In engine terms, “vacuum” refers to the low-pressure condition in the intake manifold at low throttle openings. That often corresponds to low torque and less immediate response, which is why the host says you can’t just engage the clutch from idle without stalling.

“Power band” is the engine’s RPM range where it makes its strongest usable power. When the host says the engine is in vacuum at the very bottom of the power band, they mean it’s operating at low RPM where response and torque are weaker.

“Torque” is the twisting force the engine produces, and it’s what helps the car move at low RPM. The host’s point is that the engine doesn’t make enough torque at idle to smoothly engage the clutch without stalling.

“Tip-in” describes how the car responds when you first press the throttle from a low setting. If the tip-in is inconsistent, it can make it harder to meter torque smoothly at low RPM, which affects drivability and clutch engagement.

The host mentions the “Carrera GT” as another Porsche with a clutch that’s been hard for other people to tolerate. The comparison is about drivability—how quickly you can learn the clutch and how much feedback it provides through the pedal.

The Volkswagen Bora is a model name associated with the brand’s compact-to-midsize sedan lineup in certain markets. In the podcast context, it’s specifically tied to a “Bora Motorworks race car,” meaning the name is being used in a motorsport-related discussion. That’s why it comes up—because it’s connected to racing rather than just everyday transportation.

A “short throw” clutch or shifter setup means the lever travel is reduced, so the engagement or shift happens with less pedal/lever movement. The host links it to a “grabby” feel, where the car can react quickly and be harder to modulate smoothly.

“Group B” refers to a historic FIA rally class (1980–1986) known for extremely powerful, aggressive cars. Calling the engine “like a rally engine from group B era” implies a peaky, high-strung character where torque delivery can be dramatic but not necessarily friendly at idle.

Wheel alignment is the adjustment of how the tires sit relative to the road—mainly camber, toe, and caster. If a car “wanders” or feels unstable, a fresh alignment can restore predictable tracking and reduce uneven tire wear.

“Shifter throw” is the distance (or travel) the gear lever moves to complete a shift. Short throw shifters can make shifting feel quicker and more precise, while overly short travel can make it harder to sense neutral.

A “rally style shifter” typically means a shift mechanism tuned for quick, confident gear changes under competition conditions. Rally setups often prioritize short, repeatable lever travel and a tactile shift feel.

A “gated” manual transmission uses a mechanical shift pattern that physically guides the shifter into specific gear positions. That typically improves shift feel and prevents accidental engagement of the wrong gear.

“Carbon buckets” are lightweight, fixed-back racing-style seats made with carbon fiber. Their deep side bolsters hold the driver firmly during hard cornering, but they can be less forgiving for comfort than adjustable sport seats.

“Lumbar” support refers to support for the lower back region of the spine. In performance seats, adding lumbar support can improve comfort and reduce fatigue, especially when the seat is otherwise very fixed and “bucket-like.”

A battery cutoff is a switch that disconnects the car’s battery from the electrical system. It’s commonly used for safety (for example, during service or in emergencies) and can also act like a remote power control for certain builds.

A kill switch is an electrical switch that rapidly disables power to the car’s systems. In this context, the host is describing it as a battery cutoff/remote control feature that prevents the car from being powered normally.

Drive mode buttons let you change how the car behaves by selecting different software settings (often throttle response, traction/handling calibrations, and sometimes power delivery). The host is pointing out that this car uses three dedicated buttons for different modes.

SEMA refers to the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which is known for aftermarket and custom-car show culture. Calling them “SEMA ring light buttons” is a stylistic jab: the buttons look like the flashy, illuminated, show-car style common in aftermarket builds.

A rally car is built for rally stages—loose surfaces like gravel, dirt, and snow—where traction changes constantly. When someone says a car “drives like a rally,” they usually mean it feels composed over bumps, has quick steering response, and can handle low-grip surfaces confidently.

A hypercar is an ultra-high-performance, very expensive car category that’s typically defined by extreme power, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge engineering. In this segment, the host contrasts traditional hypercars—often mid-engine supercars with similar “formula” styling—with a more rally-inspired approach.

Mid-engine describes a layout where the engine sits near the center of the car, typically behind the driver and ahead of the rear axle. This placement helps balance weight distribution and can improve handling feel—one reason many traditional hypercars and supercars use it.

Power-to-weight is the relationship between an engine’s output (power) and the vehicle’s mass. Higher power-to-weight typically means quicker acceleration and a more responsive feel because the engine has less mass to move.

The host compares the discussed car’s power-to-weight to the Bugatti Chiron, noting its much higher mass (around 4,400 pounds) and about 1,000 horsepower. The takeaway is that with that much weight and technology, the experience becomes more about acceleration/launch and high-speed capability rather than “light, tossable” feel.

A supercharger is a forced-induction device that uses a belt-driven compressor to push more air into the engine. That extra airflow allows more fuel to be burned for more power, often with strong midrange response.

The red line is the engine speed limit (RPM) beyond which the manufacturer advises against operating. It’s set to protect the engine from damage due to excessive rotational speed.

“Relaxed sixth gear” is a driving/gear-ratio concept meaning the car’s top gear is tall enough to keep engine RPM low during steady highway speeds. That reduces engine noise and wear and makes long-distance driving more pleasant. The host frames it as important for cars meant to be used on road trips, not just for track sessions.

RPM (revolutions per minute) is the engine speed measurement. Higher RPM at a given road speed usually means the car is geared “shorter,” which can increase noise and fuel consumption. In this segment, RPM is used to illustrate how gearing affects highway drivability.

PPF (paint protection film) is a clear protective layer applied to a car’s painted surfaces. It helps guard against rock chips, bug splatter, and light scratches, which is especially useful on exotic cars that get driven or tracked. Many shops also apply it in patterns around high-impact areas like the front bumper and hood.

A cracked coolant O-ring is a sealing failure in a cooling-system connection. When the O-ring cracks, coolant can leak or migrate through a coolant channel and end up where it shouldn’t, potentially causing secondary damage. The host ties this to a specific engine family (E 55 engines), implying it’s a known weak point rather than a random issue.

The Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is a high-performance version of the E-Class, known for its powerful V8 and enthusiast appeal. The podcast specifically calls out a known issue: a cracked coolant O-ring in the E55 AMG engines, described as a fairly common failure in that engine family. That’s significant because it can lead to cooling problems if not addressed.

Shock absorbers (dampers) control how the suspension moves by resisting spring motion. If the mounting “pickup points” don’t match, the shocks can’t be installed correctly, which is why the speaker needs an equivalent shock made for their specific setup.

The speaker is referencing Mercedes-Benz E 500s, specifically the shock absorber setup used on that model. They explain that the standard shocks for the E 500s don’t fit their car because the mounting/pickup points differ, even though they’re doing a wide-body conversion.

Pickup points are the specific locations on the chassis or body where a component mounts—here, where the shock absorber attaches. Even small differences in those mounting locations can make one model’s shocks incompatible with another, requiring a purpose-made equivalent.

The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s all-electric performance sedan, known for quick acceleration and a high-tech, quiet ride. In this segment, they’re talking about a specific Taycan being “fixed back from service,” plus how the steering feel and suspension/control-arm setup affect drivability. They also discuss why used Taycans can be a strong value as prices drop.

Control arms are suspension links that connect the chassis to the wheel hub, helping control wheel motion and alignment. If control arms wear out or are misadjusted, steering can feel off because the front wheels don’t track the way they should. That’s why the hosts connect the Taycan’s steering feel to the control arms.

“Performance Battery Plus” is a higher-capacity/high-output battery configuration offered on some Porsche Taycan trims. It’s relevant because battery capacity and charging/discharge performance can change real-world range and how consistently the car delivers power. The hosts use it to compare used listings and value.

The hosts are describing depreciation—how an EV’s market price drops over time after purchase. They argue Taycans are “better in every way and yet still cheaper,” which is a sign that used EV values can fall faster than buyers expect. They also frame it as an “interesting game” of how much you can buy for relative to what you pay.

Depreciation is the loss of a car’s value over time. The host is comparing depreciation on a daily driver to the fixed monthly cost of a car payment, and using that to estimate what they’re “okay with” losing each year.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric crossover that popularized the modern EV “daily driver” idea. The host compares its lease cost over three years to the depreciation they’re seeing (or expecting) with the Bentley.

A lease is a contract where you pay to use a car for a set period, usually returning it at the end rather than owning it outright. The host references leasing the Mach-E to anchor their “cost per month” math against depreciation on the Bentley.

“No reserve” is an auction setting where the seller doesn’t set a minimum price. If the host “slang[s] it” no reserve, they’re accepting that the car could sell for less than they might otherwise require.

The Tesla Model S is an electric sedan that became a benchmark for early EV performance and tech. In the episode, “early Model S” is used to illustrate how even older examples can still hold meaningful resale value. The key point is that there’s a perceived price “floor” for running, drivable cars.

“Warranty left” refers to the remaining coverage period on a vehicle’s warranty. The hosts argue that it’s smarter to buy a used car while warranty coverage still exists, because you’re less exposed to repair costs if something goes wrong. They contrast buying before exhausting coverage versus “rolling the dice” after it ends.

“Paint matched” means the body panels are finished in the same color as the rest of the car, rather than using contrasting factory colors. Here, it’s used to describe custom-colored wheel-arch “skirts” that make the Porsche look more cohesive. It’s a common enthusiast customization because it changes the visual identity of the car.

Painted wheel arches are body-color or color-finished trim around the wheel openings. On some Porsche models, wheel-arch treatment is part of the factory look for certain trims, but it can also be changed with aftermarket or OEM parts. The hosts note that the arches were typically black, and this example was customized to white.

“Body match” is shorthand for painting parts to match the car’s body color. In this segment, the hosts explain that you can buy wheel-arch parts “in primer” from Porsche and then paint them to match the wagon’s body. It’s an enthusiast-friendly path to a factory-like appearance without needing a full custom bodywork job.

The Toyota Supra is a sports coupe designed for driving enjoyment, typically with a focus on acceleration and a driver-focused layout. In the podcast context, it’s being considered as a replacement daily for someone who commutes a significant distance a few days per week. That kind of use case often comes up because it affects practicality, comfort, and running costs.

Tarmac is a slang term for paved road surface, especially asphalt. In car talk, it often implies the pavement quality affects grip and ride comfort—bad tarmac can make a drive feel harsh and less confidence-inspiring.

The Tappan Zee Bridge was the Hudson River crossing between Westchester and Rockland counties in New York. The hosts contrast it with the Bear Mountain Bridge, implying the Bear Mountain route is the better driving option.

The Aston Martin Rapide is a luxury performance sedan (a four-door) that blends grand-touring comfort with Aston Martin’s sports-car character. In the podcast, it’s described as “peaking my interest,” meaning it’s being considered as a compelling option. It comes up because it offers a different take on performance than a typical two-door sports car.

This segment is framed around choosing a practical “dad” car for commuting and family use. The discussion focuses on what kind of vehicle and tire/wheel setup makes sense for rough roads and school-drop-off life.

Sidewall refers to the rubber section on the outer edge of a tire between the tread and the wheel. More sidewall (often from using smaller wheels) can help the tire absorb bumps and potholes, which is why the host recommends it for cracked, broken roads.

Soft suspension means a setup tuned for more compliance—more ability to move and absorb road imperfections. The host contrasts it with sport suspension, arguing that a softer ride helps when the commute involves cracked, low-quality pavement.

Sport suspension is a firmer, more tightly controlled suspension calibration intended to reduce body roll and sharpen handling. The host says it’s the wrong choice for this commute because it transmits more harshness over bad pavement compared with a softer setup.

The Audi Allroad is a wagon/crossover-style vehicle designed for versatility, with added ride height and off-road-oriented capability compared with a standard wagon. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as the closest thing to a rally-style car within that kind of everyday platform, especially with rally wheels. That’s why it comes up: it’s about turning a practical car into something with rally-inspired character.

OZ is a wheel brand known for aftermarket and motorsport-style rims. Here it’s mentioned in the context of fitting “rally wheels” and pairing them with larger, grippier tires for rough-road commuting.