Driving Jaguar's GT and is the Porsche Boxster EV dead? With Henry Catchpole | Episode 39
About this episode
Henry Catchpole joins the team to discuss his experience at the Ferrari Testarossa launch and the nuances of driving the new model compared to the 296 GTB. The conversation shifts to John Barker's winter tire testing in Finland, where he drives a Golf on snow, sharing insights on tire performance and handling. The episode dives into the differences between all-season and winter tires, and whether they can truly replace traditional summer and winter setups. Engaging anecdotes and technical details make for a lively discussion.
This week Stuart Gallagher, John Barker and Yousuf Ashraf are joined by Henry Catchpole to discuss his latest drives, Yousuf's time in the highly anticipated Jaguar GT, the hardcore VW Golf GTI Edition 50 and whether or not the electric Porsche Boxster really is dead after all...
Ferrari Testarossa
"I have been on the Ferrari Testarossa launch,"
The Ferrari Testarossa is a famous sports car that was made by Ferrari. It has a unique look and a very powerful engine, which makes it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
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 automotive history.
Ferrari 500 TRC
"He's owned this 500 TRC. So the very first test, the 500 TR was the very first one in the sea."
The Ferrari 500 TRC is a classic racing car from the 1950s. It's lightweight and fast, making it popular in races during that time.
The Ferrari 500 TRC is a racing car that was developed for competition in the 1950s. It is known for its lightweight design and powerful engine, which contributed to its success on the racetrack.
naturally aspirated
"And they've got their natural aspirated V12, no hybrid rear wheel drive car over there."
A naturally aspirated engine gets air from the atmosphere without any extra help from devices like turbochargers. This can make the engine simpler and lighter.
Naturally aspirated refers to an engine that relies solely on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, as opposed to using a turbocharger or supercharger. This type of engine typically offers a more linear power delivery and can be lighter due to fewer components.
rear-wheel drive
"And they've got their natural aspirated V12, no hybrid rear wheel drive car over there."
Rear-wheel drive means that the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This can help with handling and performance, especially in sports cars.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup often provides better handling dynamics and performance, especially in sports cars, as it allows for more balanced weight distribution.
Ferrari 296
"...he's really impressed with it, but the 296 offers so much as it is as a road car. Is that kind of where your head was at with it..."
The Ferrari 296 is a sports car made by Ferrari that uses a combination of a V6 engine and electric power to perform well while being more efficient. It's built for both speed and comfort on the road.
The Ferrari 296 is a mid-engine sports car that combines a V6 engine with hybrid technology, offering impressive performance and efficiency. It's designed to be a versatile road car with advanced features and driving dynamics.
Ferrari 296 GTB
"...the launch was, and it's got that amazing, so it was nearly a kilometer long strain. And the 296 GTB launch had been there as well..."
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a high-performance sports car that uses a hybrid system, combining a traditional engine with electric power for better speed and fuel efficiency. It's designed for driving enthusiasts who want both power and technology.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a mid-engine sports car that combines a V6 engine with hybrid technology, offering impressive performance and efficiency. It represents Ferrari's commitment to innovation and performance in their lineup.
Aston Martin Vantage
"...the 296 GTB launch had been there as well, and the Aston Vantage launch..."
The Aston Martin Vantage is a stylish sports car that combines luxury with high performance. It's built to provide a thrilling driving experience and is known for its beautiful design.
The Aston Martin Vantage is a luxury sports car known for its sleek design and powerful performance. It features a V8 engine and is designed for both comfort and dynamic driving experiences.
Porsche Cayenne
"or I think it's a Porsche Cayenne at Hankook, at Evlo, that goes out and it carries sort of,..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a high-end SUV made by Porsche. It's designed to offer a sporty driving experience while still being practical for everyday use, like carrying passengers and cargo.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV known for its performance and handling, combining sports car dynamics with the practicality of an SUV. It has been a popular model for Porsche since its introduction in 2002, appealing to those who want both luxury and capability.
Lincoln Mark VIII
"So we had to switch to the Mark VIII and it's instantly different."
The Lincoln Mark VIII is a stylish car made by Lincoln, a luxury brand. It's known for being comfortable and having a powerful engine.
The Lincoln Mark VIII is a luxury coupe produced by Lincoln, known for its performance and comfort. It features a V8 engine and was part of Lincoln's lineup in the 1990s.
Pirelli
"...oh, that was the Pirelli or that's the Angkuk or whatever."
Pirelli is a company that makes tires, especially for sports cars and racing. They are known for their quality and performance.
Pirelli is an Italian tire manufacturer known for producing high-performance tires for sports cars and racing applications.
winter tires
"...was that winters and all season or just winter?"
Winter tires are special tires made for driving in cold weather, snow, and ice. They help cars grip the road better when it's slippery.
Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, particularly on snow and ice.
all-season tires
"...was that winters and all season or just winter?"
All-season tires are made to work well in different weather conditions, like rain and light snow, so you can use them all year round.
All-season tires are designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, including dry, wet, and light winter weather, making them a versatile choice for many drivers.
summer tires
"Unless SVs tend to come on a summer tire. Slick basically."
Summer tires work best when it's warm outside. They help your car grip the road better but aren't safe to use in snow or ice.
Summer tires are designed for optimal performance in warm weather, providing better grip and handling on dry and wet roads compared to all-season tires. However, they are not suitable for winter conditions.
three-peak snowflake
"It's called three-peak snowflake. It's on the sidewall and that means it's certified."
The three-peak snowflake is a symbol on tires that shows they are good for driving in snow. It means the tire has been tested and can handle snowy roads safely.
The three-peak snowflake symbol indicates that a tire meets specific performance criteria in snow conditions. This certification ensures that the tire can provide adequate traction and handling in winter weather.
wet braking
"So wet breaking is always the crucial test for any tire"
Wet braking is how well a car can stop when the road is wet. It's important for safety, especially when it's raining.
Wet braking refers to a vehicle's ability to stop effectively on wet surfaces. It is a critical performance metric for tires, as it affects safety and handling in rainy conditions.
Ford Ranger
"Just in and out of test cars, really. Ranger of Restfree you were in. And Ranger of Restfree,..."
BMW 230i
"if you said it was a 230i with a four cylinder, oh yeah, so that feels about it."
The BMW 230i is a version of the BMW 2 Series that has a smaller, less powerful engine compared to the M240i. It's still sporty but not as powerful, making it a good option for everyday driving.
The BMW 230i is a less powerful variant of the 2 Series, equipped with a four-cylinder engine. It offers a balance of performance and efficiency, making it a popular choice for those who want a sporty coupe without the higher performance of the M240i.
BMW M240i
"...more capability than the M240, which I don't think you would ever put it that way round."
The BMW M240 is a sporty version of the BMW 2 Series, made for people who enjoy driving. It has a strong engine and is fun to drive on twisty roads.
The BMW M240 is a performance-oriented version of the 2 Series coupe, offering a sporty driving experience with powerful engine options and agile handling. It is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate a compact and dynamic car.
6-cylinder engine
"Yeah, it's such a shame because all BMW 6-cylinder engines were always sweet, even if it was just the 2-liter and all the aspirated 320i, it was always."
A 6-cylinder engine is a type of car engine that has six separate cylinders where fuel and air mix and burn to create power. These engines are known for being powerful and smooth when driving.
A 6-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine configuration with six cylinders. This setup can provide a balance of power and smoothness, making it popular in many performance and luxury vehicles.
BMW E53
"Had an E53 as well, which was quite similar. It felt inside that, oh, okay."
The BMW E53 is the first version of the BMW X5, which is a luxury SUV. It was made from 1999 to 2006 and is known for being both sporty and capable of handling rough terrain.
The BMW E53 is the first generation of the BMW X5, a luxury midsize SUV produced from 1999 to 2006. It was known for its combination of sporty handling and off-road capability, along with a range of powerful engine options, including V8 variants.
V8 engine
"You always worried they've taken the V8 out of it, it's not a 63 anymore."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. This setup helps the engine produce more power, which is why it's often used in powerful cars and trucks.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for more power and torque compared to smaller engines, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
Porsche Macan GTS
"...I was recently in the new Macan GTS, the EV. And it's got this new synthesized noise..."
The Macan GTS is a sportier version of Porsche's Macan SUV. It has better performance and special features that make it more fun to drive.
The Porsche Macan GTS is a high-performance variant of the Macan, known for its sporty handling and luxury features. The GTS trim typically includes enhancements to both performance and aesthetics, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
synthesized noise
"...it's got this new synthesized noise, which is bespoke to the GTS and stuff."
Synthesized noise is a sound that is created by computers instead of coming from an engine. It's used in electric cars to make them sound more like regular cars, so people can hear them coming.
Synthesized noise in electric vehicles (EVs) refers to artificially created sounds that mimic traditional engine noises. This is often used to enhance the driving experience and provide feedback to the driver and pedestrians, as EVs are typically very quiet.
Renault Clio
"Yeah, the Clio, wasn't it?"
The Renault Clio is a small car that many people in Europe drive. It's known for being easy to park and good on gas.
The Renault Clio is a popular supermini car known for its compact size and efficiency. It has been a staple in the European car market since its introduction in the early 1990s.
Nissan Gtr
"Yeah, the Clio, wasn't it? The GTR and the cup car noises you could configure. So y..."
Volkswagen Gti
"...iving another Golf, actually, the new Edition 50 GTI, which was, I mean, yeah, we've been quite hard ..."
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S
"So is this, it's not called a Clubsport S, but it is a Clubsport S?"
The Volkswagen Clubsport S is a special version of the GTI that is made for people who want a faster and sportier car. It has upgrades that make it better for driving on tracks.
The Volkswagen Clubsport S is a high-performance variant of the GTI, designed for enthusiasts who seek a more track-focused experience. It typically features enhancements in power, handling, and weight reduction.
hot hatch
"which is handy when it's a hot hatch. But that came second the car of the year, didn't it, the Clubsport S?"
A hot hatch is a sporty version of a small car that has a hatchback design. These cars are fun to drive and often have more power and better handling than regular hatchbacks.
A hot hatch is a high-performance version of a hatchback, designed for sporty driving with enhanced power, handling, and features. These cars often combine practicality with fun driving dynamics.
semi-slick tires
"...it's on semi-slick bridge stones, and it started to rain,..."
Semi-slick tires are special tires that have less tread than regular tires, which helps them grip the road better when it's dry. They can still work okay in light rain but aren't great for heavy rain.
Semi-slick tires are a type of tire that offers a balance between slick racing tires and traditional treaded tires. They provide better grip on dry surfaces while still offering some performance in wet conditions, making them popular for track days and performance driving.
EA888
"...that EA888, I don't think, and it's still got DCTO in there,..."
The EA888 is a type of engine made by Volkswagen. It's a four-cylinder engine that uses a turbocharger to provide more power while being efficient.
The EA888 is a family of inline four-cylinder engines developed by Volkswagen Group, known for its turbocharged performance and efficiency. It's used in various models across the VW lineup, including the Golf and Audi A3.
Porsche Boxster
"...ost and has had a lot of airtime is the electric Boxster and Cayenne, the replacement for the four-cylind..."
Porsche Taycan
"... is to take a battery under an SUV, and they did Taycan and stuff, but they've now, it would be a big si..."
Porsche 911
"...ocker, they've got the 3.6-litre hybrid from the 911, is that too big?"
Hyundai Genesis
"...ll, Hyundai as a group, you've got Hyundai, Kia, Genesis. Interesting, they've all,"
Porsche Cayman
"I mean, Boxster Cayman was never the as bigger seller, I think is perha..."
Alpine A110
"...l. I do wonder whether, because obviously Alpine A110 comes production ends this year."
Lotus Elise
"which weighs 700 kilos. So as much as an S1 Elise, just in the floor. Those are on the podcast, my..."
Rolls-Royce Spectre
"... like a Bentley, I think, or like a miniaturized Rolls Royce Spectre in a way. Yeah."
Jaguar Xtype
"No, I mean, yeah, every X-type customer says, that's not a real Jag."
Land Rover Range Rover
"...r has the same problem is you can't compete with Range Rover. Until we need you to."
Jaguar Fpace
"Well, they did it with... The only one they did it with were F-Pace and Velar, wasn't it? Was the only shared one."
Lamborghini Huracan
"Yeah. Huracan took a while to get it going. They had a Gallard..."
Lamborghini Gallardo
"...Huracan took a while to get it going. They had a Gallardo. Yeah."
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"There is some good news, because Mercedes has done, launched a new S-Class, which you've got a new flat-plane crank V8,"
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"In something else. C-class shape, maybe. Or slightly larger."
Holden Caprice
"...biggest fan of flat-plane engines. No, hence the Caprice. Yeah, yeah."
Toyota Corolla
"for next-generation Yaris as well. Yeah, and Corolla, I think. And the Corolla's going in."
Volkswagen Id4
"Why don't they want to buy our three-bodied Volkswagen ID.4? That's quite an easy question to answer."
Ford Mustang
"...'t you want to buy it? It's going as well as the Mustang. What do people keep talking about this"
Toyota Corolla Gr
"Because we haven't had... We don't get Corolla GR because of market size and you've got competitio..."
Toyota bZ4X
"...at is Toyota doing? Because they just bought out BZ4X, which was an EV, and their own EV."
Toyota Prius
"an EV and hybrid, and all they... The Prius sort of set everyone on that path, didn't they? ..."
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
"Stalantis have done the same with Alfa Romeo, particularly Judea and Stelvio's been made. And the quadropholios and stuff."
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