A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts share their holiday experiences, with Rory recounting a chaotic Christmas cooking adventure in a blizzard. The conversation shifts to Rory's recent test of the new Toyota Land Cruiser, highlighting its unique features and quirks, including a frustrating driver assistance system that misinterpreted his eye movements. The hosts debate the merits of modern car technology versus classic driving experiences, ultimately expressing nostalgia for simpler vehicles without intrusive tech. The episode blends humor with relatable automotive frustrations, making it a reflective listen for car enthusiasts.
We don't try to make episodes about new technology, it's just what life puts in our laps. Rory brings us the trials & travails of adventuring in not-quite the right vehicle, Peter identifies two very different kinds of lane-assist, and Matty hangs onto his Windows 10 machine for dear life.
You can support Alloy with a membership here: https://alloymag.com/sign-up/
Get Peter's new record Half-Staff Blues here: https://peterpeterhughes.bandcamp.com/album/half-staff-blues
Your producer pal Matty, who writes these, has nothing to plug. support my wonderful co-hosts ty ty ty ˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖ p.s. for our Patreon subscribers: this was half of one recording session, and you will get the rest very soon! (Matty is editing and trying not to get Flu A from everybody else in his house.)
"...know, it's probably half the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, but yeah."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks a bit like a bug, and it's famous for its unique shape. It was really popular a long time ago and is still loved by many people today.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was first produced in the late 1930s. Known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout, it became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture and remains a beloved classic today.
"I have the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which is a car I was really like excited about."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV that is great for off-roading and has a reputation for being very reliable and comfortable.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and luxury features. It has a long history of reliability and performance in various terrains.
"It's that little like turbo four hybrid setup. And it's very, it's very buzzy and coarse, but it feels trucky..."
A turbo four hybrid setup means the car has a small four-cylinder engine that uses a turbocharger to boost power, along with an electric motor to help save fuel and reduce pollution.
A turbo four hybrid setup refers to an engine configuration that combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and performance. This setup allows for better power delivery while reducing emissions.
"...the foreign cars in America that are sold out on the higher end, like the G-Wagon and all the Jeeps..."
The G-Class, or G-Wagon, is a fancy SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. It's known for being tough and stylish, making it popular among people who want a luxury vehicle that can also handle rough terrain.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, commonly known as the G-Wagon, is a luxury SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It has a strong following due to its blend of luxury and performance, making it a popular choice among high-end consumers.
"...the 200 series was like a full blown luxury SUV with all the off-road stuff still in it."
A luxury SUV is a big vehicle that is comfortable and has nice features. It's designed to be both stylish and capable of handling tough driving conditions.
A luxury SUV is a sport utility vehicle that offers high-end features, comfort, and performance. These vehicles often come with premium materials, advanced technology, and superior off-road capabilities.
"...which I had two weeks ago. That's the Lex 700 and 600. And is the difference between the Lexus and Toyota ones..."
The Lexus LX 600 is a fancy version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, designed for people who want luxury and comfort while still having a powerful SUV.
The Lexus LX 600 is a luxury SUV that shares its platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser. It offers high-end features and a more refined driving experience compared to its Toyota counterpart.
"...so they're all the same platform. They look the same, right? Well, until you see..."
A platform in cars is like a base that different models are built on. It means they share the same basic structure and parts, even if they look different on the outside.
In automotive terms, a platform refers to the underlying structure and components shared by multiple vehicle models. This can include the chassis, suspension, and drivetrain, allowing different models to have similar characteristics while differing in design and features.
"...But the Lexus is the 300 series. So it's bigger and longer. It's way more mysterious inside."
The Lexus 300 series is a group of luxury cars made by Lexus, which is Toyota's premium brand. They are designed to be more comfortable and stylish compared to regular Toyota trucks.
The Lexus 300 series refers to a line of luxury vehicles produced by Lexus, known for their upscale features and comfort. These models often share platforms with other Toyota vehicles but offer a more refined interior and additional luxury options.
"There's the GX 550 Lexus, which is the same, almost the same as the Land Cruiser."
The Lexus GX 550 is a fancy SUV that is built on the same base as the Toyota Land Cruiser, which means they have a lot in common but are designed for different buyers.
The Lexus GX 550 is a luxury SUV that shares its platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser, offering a blend of off-road capability and upscale features.
"and the GX 550 are both Land Cruiser Prado, which is like my old GX,"
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a smaller SUV compared to the full-size Land Cruiser. It's designed for off-road driving and is known for being tough and reliable.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a mid-size SUV that is part of the Land Cruiser family, known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It is often considered a slightly smaller version of the full-size Land Cruiser.
Car
Toyota FJ60
"more like kind of spiritually aligned with like a FJ 60. So like, which is like, I think great."
The Toyota FJ60 is an older model of the Land Cruiser, known for its sturdy build and off-road abilities. It's popular among fans of classic SUVs.
The Toyota FJ60 is a part of the Land Cruiser series, produced in the 1980s, known for its boxy design and off-road capabilities. It has a strong following among enthusiasts for its ruggedness and simplicity.
"...and like the Lexus should be like the nicer version of that. So like the GX."
The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV that is built for both off-road adventures and comfortable driving. It's similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser but focuses more on luxury and comfort.
The Lexus GX is a mid-size luxury SUV that shares its platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser. It combines off-road capability with luxury features, making it suitable for both rugged terrains and comfortable city driving.
"...he time. And then we went on a night drive up to Bel Air, Michigan and you can't see it on cam,"
The Chevrolet Bel Air is an old-fashioned car that many people think looks really cool. It was popular a long time ago and is now a favorite among collectors who love classic cars.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car that was produced from the 1950s to the early 1970s, known for its stylish design and role in the post-war automotive boom. It represents a significant era in automotive history and is highly sought after by collectors.
"...with that Corolla that I had in Australia. And I remember thinking the exact same thing. It was like, wow, this is the most like gentle lane keeping thing..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and saves gas. It's a popular choice for everyday driving.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It's one of the best-selling cars worldwide, often favored for its practicality and ease of use.
"...in like my wife's car, the CX-5, you know, like it drives me insane."
The Mazda CX-5 is a type of SUV that is popular for its good looks and fun driving experience. It's a family-friendly vehicle that many people like to drive.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of efficient engines, making it a popular choice among families and individuals alike.
"...when you mash your foot on the gas pedal, that's like, that's pulling on a cable that is pulling on the throttle that is opening this valve that is letting air and fuel into the engine."
The throttle is like a gate that controls how much air and fuel goes into the engine. When you push the gas pedal, it opens this gate to let more air and fuel in, making the car go faster.
The throttle is a valve that controls the amount of air and fuel entering the engine, which in turn affects engine power and performance. When you press the gas pedal, it opens the throttle, allowing more air and fuel to mix and combust in the engine.
"...you know, $100,000 cars that can turn nirburgring lap times, you know, that are faster"
Nürburgring lap times are how long it takes for a car to go around a specific racetrack in Germany. It's a popular place for car companies to test their cars and show how fast they can go.
Nürburgring lap times refer to the time it takes a car to complete a lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a famous and challenging racetrack in Germany. This track is often used as a benchmark for performance, with many manufacturers testing their vehicles there to showcase speed and handling capabilities.
"...it's really about Apple and really about like Apple CarPlay, which like, I have hated CarPlay for years."
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone in your car. You can see maps, listen to music, and make calls without having to touch your phone, making it safer to drive.
Apple CarPlay is a smart driving companion that allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system. It enables features like navigation, music playback, and hands-free communication through a user-friendly interface.
"And this car has some whatever Geolander kind of all season tires, which is like, I can spot, you see them in the parking lot and you're like, oh, this is not good."
Geolander tires are made by Yokohama and are designed for vehicles that need good performance on both highways and rough terrains. They are often used on SUVs and trucks.
Geolander is a brand of tires produced by Yokohama, known for their all-terrain and all-season tires. They are designed for both on-road and off-road performance, making them popular among SUV and truck owners.
"kind of all season tires, which is like, I can spot, you see them in the parking lot and you're like, oh, this is not good. You don't want those."
All season tires can be used in different weather conditions, like rain and light snow, making them convenient for everyday driving. They don't perform as well as winter tires in heavy snow, but they are a good all-around option.
All season tires are designed to provide a balance of performance in various weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. They are a popular choice for drivers who want versatility without the need for seasonal tire changes.
"...in the GX, it's like pushing the center lock button activates the center locker, but everything else is a lever."
The center lock button helps your car's wheels work together better when driving on rough or slippery surfaces. It makes sure that power goes to both the front and back wheels equally, which can help you get out of tough spots.
The center lock button is used to engage the center differential lock in a four-wheel drive vehicle, allowing for better traction by distributing power evenly between the front and rear axles. This is particularly useful in off-road conditions or when traction is limited.
"...we're in four wheel low because there's a lever that is connected"
Four wheel low is a special setting in some cars that helps them drive better on really rough ground. It makes the car stronger and helps it go slower, which is useful when climbing hills or driving through mud.
Four wheel low is a setting in four-wheel drive vehicles that provides increased torque and power at lower speeds, ideal for off-road driving or navigating steep inclines. It allows the vehicle to handle tough terrain more effectively.
A bottle jack is a tool that helps lift heavy things like cars. It's called a bottle jack because it looks like a bottle and is often used to change tires or fix parts under a car.
A bottle jack is a type of hydraulic jack used to lift heavy loads, typically vehicles. It is named for its shape, resembling a bottle, and is commonly used for changing tires or performing maintenance on cars.
"...if that was my car, it would have proper tires on it in the winter time and I would have some basic recovery gear. I'd have a shovel in the car..."
Recovery gear is stuff you keep in your car to help you get out of trouble if you get stuck. It can be things like a shovel or a tool to pull your car out.
Recovery gear refers to equipment used to help vehicles that are stuck or in difficult situations, especially in off-road conditions. This can include items like winches, shovels, and traction mats.
"...I would have, you know, a hand winch and some,..."
A hand winch is a tool you can use to pull something heavy, like a car, out of a tough spot. You turn a handle to make it work.
A hand winch is a manually operated device used to pull or lift heavy objects. It's commonly used in off-road situations to recover vehicles that are stuck.
"...50 grand is like for the base model. This one is like $72,000, which is like."
The base model is the simplest version of a car. It has the basic features but doesn't include extra options that might cost more.
The base model refers to the standard version of a car without any additional features or upgrades. It typically comes with the essential equipment but lacks premium options found in higher trims.
"I mean, 50 grand, like that's the, you know. Seems like a lot. Well, but that's the absolute bare minimum."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It helps you know how much the car is worth when you go to buy it.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It's important for buyers to know this figure as it helps in understanding the vehicle's market value and negotiating the final price.
"You're not gonna buy one for $50,000. No, it's like, it's gonna, even just like with taxes and title and delivery and everything."
The Out-the-door price is the total cost you pay when buying a car. It includes the price of the car plus taxes and fees, so you know exactly how much you need to spend.
The Out-the-door price (OTD) is the total amount a buyer pays to purchase a vehicle, including the car's price, taxes, title, delivery fees, and any additional options. This figure is crucial for buyers to understand the full cost of acquiring a vehicle.
"I drove a fucking Miata, like year round, you know? Like an NA, you know?"
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is very fun to drive. The NA is the first version of this car, made in the late '80s and '90s, and it's known for being light and easy to handle.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, often simply called the Miata, is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. The NA refers to the first generation of the Miata, produced from 1989 to 1997, which is characterized by its classic design and simplicity.
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