About this episode
The hosts share a unique encounter with unreleased Porsche electric vehicles during a California canyon drive, highlighting the awkwardness of interacting with secretive engineers and the synthetic engine sounds of the prototypes. They also discuss differences in car culture and weather challenges between the West and East Coasts, including their favorite cold-weather vehicles like the Jeep WK2 and Volvo 740 on winter tires. The conversation blends personal stories, automotive observations, and reflections on vehicle sound design and testing secrecy.
Have you ever spotted a prototype or test mule in the wild?
Ross ran into the Porsche Cayenne EV on a California canyon road. Not literally.
Dan and Ross talk about the encounter that seemed to spook the Porsche drivers, and then move on to the GMC Yukon Denali and finishing with some project Lexus GX and four-wheeling updates.
GMC Yukon Denali
"I have a Yukon Denali ultimate press car and then we'll we'll go over our usual personal shenanigans."
The GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is a big, fancy SUV that is comfortable to ride in and has lots of features. It can carry many people and things and is good for long trips.
The GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is a luxury full-size SUV known for its powerful engine, upscale interior, and advanced technology features. It is designed for comfort and capability.
Porsche Cayenne
"I happened to pond the Cayenne Evie test wheel. And it was the Cayenne Evie and then in front of it, they had a con."
The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a big car that uses both gas and electricity to move. It can drive using just electricity for a short distance, which helps save fuel and is better for the environment.
The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid SUV combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency and performance. It offers electric-only driving modes and regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...And I was in a rental Jetta. And I just kind of like sat down on the"
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that many people use for everyday driving or renting. It's comfortable and easy to drive.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan known for its balance of comfort, efficiency, and value. It is a popular choice for rental fleets and daily driving.
Porsche Cayenne EV
"...And then the Cayenne EV drove away and it sounded like a V8 Cayenne..."
The Porsche Cayenne EV is an electric SUV made by Porsche. It uses electricity instead of gas to move and is part of Porsche's effort to make more electric cars.
The Porsche Cayenne EV is the electric variant of Porsche's popular luxury SUV, the Cayenne. It represents Porsche's move towards electrification in their SUV lineup, combining performance with electric powertrain technology.
twin turbo
"...It sounded like a Cayenne, a twin turbo VA Cayenne under low load, in my opinion."
Twin turbo means the engine has two devices that push more air into it, making the car more powerful and faster.
Twin turbo refers to an engine setup with two turbochargers that compress the intake air, improving engine power and efficiency. This setup helps reduce turbo lag and increases performance, especially in high-performance vehicles.
prototype
"It's a prototype. You know, it could have been something that will never see the light of day."
A prototype is like a test version of a car that a company makes to see if their ideas work before they build the real one you can buy.
A prototype is an early sample or model of a product built to test a concept or process. In the automotive industry, prototypes are used to evaluate design, performance, and feasibility before final production.
sport chrono package
"...if they have a sound package, I'm sure it'll be part of like the sport chrono package that comes with the little little chronometer on the dash and unlocks"
The sport chrono package is a special option in some cars that adds a stopwatch on the dashboard and makes the car drive more sporty and fun.
The sport chrono package is an optional feature in some performance cars, especially Porsche models, that includes a dashboard chronometer (stopwatch) and enhances the car's performance settings for sportier driving dynamics.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"Anyways, I saw this Land Cruiser up there while I was in the canyons"
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big SUV that can drive on rough roads and is very dependable. People often use it for adventures and everyday driving.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capability, durability, and long-standing reputation as a reliable vehicle for rugged terrain and daily driving.
Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series
"And yeah, probably, you know, of like an $85,000 80 series on bring a trailer."
The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series is a big SUV that can drive on rough roads and is very reliable. People like to buy and sell these cars online because they last a long time.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series is a popular full-size SUV produced from 1990 to 1997, known for its off-road capability and durability. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often sought after on platforms like Bring a Trailer.
surface rust
""this sort of desert Southwest are like, oh, it's rusty. And you're like, that that's just surface rust. It's fine.""
Surface rust is when only the very top layer of metal on a car has started to rust, but it hasn't caused serious damage yet. It can usually be fixed easily before it gets worse.
Surface rust refers to the initial stage of rusting where only the outermost layer of metal has oxidized, usually not affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle. It can often be cleaned or treated to prevent further corrosion.
road salt
""And here it's like, oh, no, the salt, the road salt and, you know, the treatment has been eating my frame alive for the last decade.""
Road salt is spread on roads in winter to melt ice, but it can cause cars to rust faster, especially underneath.
Road salt is used in colder climates to melt ice on roads, but it can accelerate corrosion and rust on vehicle frames and undercarriages.
frame replacement
""Anyways, yeah, they replaced the frames. They replaced a lot of frames.""
Sometimes the main metal part of a car, called the frame, gets too rusty or broken, so it has to be taken out and a new one put in.
Frame replacement is the process of removing and installing a new structural frame of a vehicle, often necessary when the original frame is severely corroded or damaged.
dry ice treatment
"I think I'm like a year or two out from doing that dry ice treatment where they basically it's like the opposite opposite of powder coating."
Dry ice treatment means using tiny frozen pellets to clean stuff like rust or dirt off parts without scratching them. It's like a gentle blast that cleans without hurting the metal.
Dry ice treatment is a cleaning process that uses dry ice pellets blasted at high speed to remove contaminants, rust, or old paint from surfaces without damaging the underlying material. It is often used as an alternative to abrasive methods like sandblasting or powder coating preparation.
powder coating
"it's like the opposite opposite of powder coating. They basically just like use dry ice to blow off all the"
Powder coating is a way to paint metal parts by spraying on a dry powder that sticks and hardens when heated. It helps protect the metal and makes it look nice.
Powder coating is a finishing process where a dry powder is electrostatically applied to a metal surface and then cured under heat to form a durable, protective, and decorative coating. It is commonly used on automotive parts to prevent corrosion and improve appearance.
stick welder
"You can get yourself a stick welder and you can play it when it starts to rust. Yeah, right. It's not unsafe at all."
A stick welder is a tool that helps you melt and join metal parts together using a special rod. People use it to fix rust or broken metal on cars and trucks.
A stick welder is a type of welding machine that uses a consumable electrode coated in flux to join metal pieces by melting them together. It is a common and versatile welding method used for repairs, including fixing rust damage on vehicles.
limited
"I really do like our WK2 in the bad weather. It's a limited."
Limited means a fancier version of the Jeep with more features and comforts.
In this context, 'limited' refers to the Limited trim level of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which typically includes more luxury features and advanced technology compared to base models.
four wheel drive
"So it's not like manually shifting into four wheel drive or anything."
Four wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels to help it drive better on snow or mud.
Four wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously to improve traction, especially useful in off-road or slippery conditions.
Michelin Primacy MX
"This the tires that it came with were like Michelin Primacy MX."
Michelin Primacy MX are a type of tire that works well in many weather conditions but aren't the best for snowy or icy roads.
The Michelin Primacy MX is a specific model of all-season tires known for comfort and performance on dry and wet roads. They are not specialized for winter conditions, which can limit traction in snow or ice.
Toyo AT3 tires
"this time Toyo hooked everybody up and and give them discount on AT3s."
Toyo AT3 tires are special tires that help trucks and SUVs drive well on roads and off-road places like dirt or snow.
Toyo AT3 is a line of all-terrain tires made by Toyo Tires, designed for trucks and SUVs to perform well both on-road and off-road, including in snow and mud conditions.
stability control
"Honestly, like the the stability control hardly ever fires unless you provoke it."
Stability control is a safety feature in cars that helps keep the vehicle steady and stops it from sliding or spinning out, especially on slippery roads.
Stability control is a vehicle safety system that helps prevent skidding or loss of control by automatically applying brakes or reducing engine power when it detects instability.
Ford Ranger
"...mess. I actually have Dynapro ATMs on the on the Ranger. They're OK. Those are the factory tires, right?"
The Ford Ranger is a medium-sized truck that can be used for work or fun, like driving on rough roads. It comes with special tires from the factory that help it drive well both on streets and off-road. People talk about these tires to see if they are good for different weather and road types.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its versatility and off-road capability. It's often discussed for its factory tire options like the Dynapro ATM, which balance on-road comfort with off-road performance. Enthusiasts may evaluate these tires for their suitability in various driving conditions.
white letters
"Those are the FX4 factory tires for a stretch. Yeah, yeah, yeah. White letters. I got it because they were white letters. I just got a white letter."
Some tires have big white words on the side. People like them because they look cool on the car.
White letters refer to tires that have raised white lettering on the sidewall, often used for aesthetic appeal or to highlight the tire brand and model.
Blizzak
"But there are more traditional snow tires that they're not as good as the blizzaks, it's on everything else. Yeah, I will say as well, I really did like our Volvo 740s on blizzaks."
Blizzak tires are special tires made for driving safely on snow and ice. They help your car not slip in winter.
Blizzak is a brand of winter tires made by Bridgestone, known for excellent traction on snow and ice compared to traditional snow tires.
Cadillac Lyric
"...u use it to their full capacity, the heat in that lyric V that we talked about in our last show was like..."
The Cadillac Lyriq is a new electric SUV that doesn't use gas and is very fancy inside. It has special heating to keep you warm without using too much battery power.
The Cadillac Lyriq is an all-electric luxury SUV that showcases Cadillac's move toward electric vehicles. It features advanced technology and heating systems that are designed to maximize comfort and efficiency.
Honda Stream
"...e highway at night in the winter. It just like a stream of cold air coming through the door handle. It's..."
The Honda Stream is a small family car that has space for people and things. Some people say cold air can come in through the door handles when it's winter, which can be annoying.
The Honda Stream is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) known for its practicality and efficient use of space. Some owners have reported issues with cold air leaks around door handles, which can affect comfort during winter driving.
Subaru WRX
"I had a 20. I owned a 2017 WRX on I think they were general Ultimax Arctic."
The Subaru WRX is a small, fast car that can drive well in snow because it has power to all four wheels. People sometimes put special winter tires on it to help it grip the road better when it's cold and snowy.
The Subaru WRX is a sporty compact car famous for its all-wheel-drive system and rally heritage. The 2017 model is often noted for its performance and handling, especially when equipped with winter tires like the General Ultimax Arctic, which enhance traction in snowy conditions.
winter tires
"You just drive like it's on winter tires, on good winter tires, you drive"
Winter tires are special tires that help your car grip the road better when it's cold, snowy, or icy. They keep you safer by stopping and turning better in winter weather.
Winter tires are specialized tires designed to provide better traction, handling, and braking performance in cold weather conditions, especially on snow and ice. They use softer rubber compounds and tread patterns optimized for winter driving.
Mazda MX-5 / Miata
"I dailyed my Miata through a few winters on snow tires was awesome."
The Mazda Miata is a small sporty car that is fun to drive, especially because it handles well and is easy to control. Many people like to drive it with the top down.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster known for its excellent handling and driving enjoyment. It's popular among enthusiasts for its simplicity and fun driving dynamics.
Dodge Challenger
"... and we were just away. And that was and I did a challenger in a winter in two winters on snow tires. Some s..."
The Dodge Challenger is a big, strong car that looks like old muscle cars and goes very fast. Because it usually drives with power to the back wheels only, people put special snow tires on it to help it drive safely in winter.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and retro styling. It's often discussed in the context of winter driving when fitted with snow tires, as its rear-wheel-drive layout can be challenging in snowy conditions without proper tires.
Dodge Charger
"...I had the even the even a scat pack or no. Yeah, charger for door. Yeah, the so the challenger scat pack ..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car with four doors that can go very fast. The Scat Pack version has a strong engine and is liked by people who want a fast car that's also good for daily driving.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that combines muscle car performance with four-door practicality. The Scat Pack variant features a powerful V8 engine, making it popular among enthusiasts who want performance and everyday usability.
Chevrolet C8
"...blame you. I once upon a time, I was delivered a C8 press car on actual winter tires. The biggest, w..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car with the engine placed behind the seats to make it go better. People sometimes try putting winter tires on it to see how it handles in snow, even though it's mostly a summer car.
The Chevrolet Corvette, particularly the C8 generation, is a mid-engine sports car that represents a significant shift in design and performance for the model. It's notable for its high performance and has been tested even on winter tires, which is unusual for such a sports car.
Kia Sportage
"...s a press card. That was a second generation Kia Sportage, I think. OK, it might have been the Hyundai Tuc..."
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that is good for families and everyday driving. The older versions are simple and reliable, and people often test them to see how good they are.
The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV known for its value and practicality. The second generation, sometimes confused with similar Hyundai models, offered good features for its class and was often used as a press car for reviews.
V6 engine
"It had the little V6 and it had all the drive with a lock button."
A V6 engine is a type of car engine with six cylinders shaped like a V. It helps the car go faster and run smoothly.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It is known for balancing power and smoothness in many vehicles.
Pagani
"...a lot more relatable to most of us than driving a Pagani."
Pagani is a company that makes very fast and expensive sports cars that are special and rare.
Pagani is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance hypercars known for their exclusivity, advanced engineering, and striking design.
Top Gear
"And then as Top Gear progressed, even towards the end of Top Gear, like they've run on Top Gear, they got it became like a stick. And it was less about the cars and more about them like. Yeah. Pranking each other all the time. And I was like, this is not interesting to me. People always say like, you know, they didn't watch Top Gear for the cars. It was a car show or no. OK, people say it was a car show, but it wasn't really about the cars."
Top Gear is a TV show about cars where people drive and talk about different vehicles, but later it became more about funny stuff and pranks than just cars.
Top Gear is a popular British television show focused on cars, known for its mix of car reviews, challenges, and entertainment segments. Over time, the show shifted from purely car-focused content to more personality-driven and comedic elements.
Cadillac Escalade
"I have my problems. I will have an escalade, though. I hadn't had the escalade just leaves m..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big, fancy SUV that many people like because it is comfortable and strong. Some owners have problems with it, but it is still a popular luxury vehicle.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its bold styling, spacious interior, and powerful engine. It is often discussed for its presence on the road and the premium features it offers, despite some common owner complaints.
Jeep Wrangler
"Just thinking about it, I got it. Jeep Wrangler, two door base, stick shift, no option, no frill ..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough and simple car made for driving on rough roads and trails. The two-door version with a stick shift is basic but very good if you like to go off the beaten path.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and simplicity, especially in base two-door manual transmission versions. It's often praised for its no-frills design that appeals to enthusiasts who want a pure off-road experience.
Porsche 911
"But yeah, I would say specifically the nine eleven."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been made for many years. It looks unique and has its engine placed at the back, which makes it special.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been in continuous production since the 1960s and is a flagship model for Porsche.
Porsche Macan
"Like the Macan is probably the highest volume Porsche, at least over the last decade."
The Porsche Macan is a smaller SUV that is very popular and sells a lot. It is comfortable and fun to drive, making it a favorite for many people.
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury SUV that has become Porsche's highest volume model in recent years. It combines sporty handling with practicality and luxury features.
Lamborghini
"That makes the I'm surprised that Ferrari or Lamborghini aren't higher, but yeah."
Lamborghini is a company from Italy that makes very fast and flashy sports cars. They are famous for their unique looks and strong engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of luxury sports cars and SUVs, known for bold designs and powerful engines. They are part of the Volkswagen Group and compete with Ferrari in the supercar market.
Ferrari
"That makes the I'm surprised that Ferrari or Lamborghini aren't higher, but yeah. And Ferrari might be they're just going to tell you whatever they want you to know."
Ferrari is a company from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are known for being special and making a lot of money from their cars.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for high-performance vehicles and a strong racing heritage. They are famous for exclusivity and high profit margins.
F1
""That's just an F1. Yeah, it hasn't been confirmed.""
F1 is a type of car racing where very fast and special cars race on tracks all over the world. It's like the top league of car racing.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest and most technologically advanced race cars competing in a series of Grand Prix events worldwide.
Toyota Prado
"..., my Lexus. Let's talk about my very, very fancy Toyota Prado. So."
The Toyota Prado or Meru is a medium-sized SUV that can drive on rough roads and is very dependable. It is comfortable and good for both city driving and adventures.
The Toyota Prado, also known as the Meru in some markets, is a midsize SUV celebrated for its off-road capability and reliability. It's often regarded as a very capable and fancy SUV suitable for both urban and rugged environments.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...m them better than like our four by year. Our WL grand Cherokee has OLED on its nav screen. And so you can get d..."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a medium-sized SUV that is comfortable and can go off-road. The newer models have fancy screens that show maps and other information clearly.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV that blends luxury and off-road capability. The WL generation introduced modern features like an OLED navigation screen, enhancing the in-car technology experience.
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