Ferrari Breaks the Rules Again, ZR1X Performance Shock, and Has Porsche Lost Its Way?
About this episode
The hosts dive into recent automotive highlights, including a thrilling drive swap between an E46 M3 and a Honda S2000, sharing detailed impressions of the S2000's engaging engine and handling. They discuss tuning a Lotus Emira with an AMG four-cylinder engine, boosting its performance significantly. The episode also touches on the Australian Bathurst Edition Emira and Lotus's strategy of releasing special variants to maintain excitement. Additionally, they debate Porsche's current direction and explore the concept of choosing a forever sports car. Enthusiasts will appreciate the mix of personal stories, technical insights, and industry news.
full throttle
"You're in the right place buckle up hit the gas and let's go full throttle into today's episode"
Full throttle means pushing the gas pedal all the way to make the car go as fast as it can.
Full throttle means pressing the accelerator pedal all the way down to allow the engine to produce maximum power and speed.
BMW E46
"... I had a buddy approach me and say, you know what e46 m3s have always been a Dream car of mine, and I'..."
The BMW 3 Series is a popular car that is fun to drive and comfortable for daily use. The E46 version is especially loved because it looks great and handles well, so many people dream of owning one.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car known for its blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability. The E46 generation, in particular, is highly regarded for its balanced handling and timeless design, making it a dream car for many enthusiasts.
BMW M3
"...G kind of them. I Hate to say the dog of the e46 m3 lineup, but maybe the least Because I have a sto..."
The BMW M3 is a sportier and faster version of the regular 3 Series. The E46 M3 is famous for being really fun to drive, but some versions of it might not be as good as others.
The BMW M3 is the high-performance variant of the 3 Series, celebrated for its sporty dynamics and powerful engines. The E46 M3 is particularly iconic, though some models within that generation are considered less desirable due to specific issues or characteristics.
Honda S2000
"...my buddy came over this past week. He has a AP to s2000 and if you can Tip for tat a little bit. I'll sc..."
The Honda S2000 is a small, sporty convertible that is fun to drive because it can go very fast and handles really well. It's also known for being reliable.
The Honda S2000 is a lightweight, high-revving roadster celebrated for its precise handling and engaging driving experience. It has become a modern classic due to its reliability and sporty character.
AP1
"Well, there's two variations of the s2000 the first generation was which is known as the AP one"
AP1 is the name for the first version of the Honda S2000 made between 1999 and 2003. It has a very high-revving engine and a specific look with fixed headlights.
AP1 refers to the first generation of the Honda S2000, produced from 1999 to 2003. It is characterized by its 9,000 rpm redline engine and fixed headlights.
AP2
"I've driven both those and the AP two"
AP2 is the name for the second version of the Honda S2000 made from 2004 to 2009. It has a slightly different engine and updated looks compared to the first version.
AP2 refers to the second generation of the Honda S2000, produced from 2004 to 2009. It features a lower redline engine and updated styling including projector headlights.
redline
"The AP two is great revs to 8,000 RPMs... Every AP one revs to 9 grand"
Redline is the fastest your car's engine can spin without breaking. The first S2000 can spin faster than the second one before it needs to slow down.
Redline refers to the maximum engine speed (RPM) that a car's engine can safely operate at without causing damage. The AP1 S2000 has a redline of 9,000 RPM, while the AP2 has a redline of 8,000 RPM.
Mazda MX-5 / Miata
"...er is perfection. So compared to it compared to a Miata. Oh Well, I'm gonna go with the AP one, which is..."
The Mazda Miata is a small, fun convertible car that is easy to drive and really enjoyable, especially on twisty roads. It's popular because it's simple but very fun.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, is a lightweight, affordable roadster famous for its exceptional handling and driving enjoyment. It is often considered a benchmark for pure driving pleasure in an accessible package.
steering rack
"Every AP one revs to 9 grand. It's got a quicker steering rack than the AP two... Little scarier"
The steering rack helps turn the car's wheels when you turn the steering wheel. A quicker one means the car turns faster and feels more lively.
The steering rack is a key component of a car's steering system that translates the driver's input from the steering wheel to the wheels. A quicker steering rack means less steering wheel rotation is needed to turn the wheels, resulting in more responsive handling.
Mazda Miata
"Dynamically, I think they improved a lot in the AP two and added more torque, but it compared to a Miata... I might say Miata fits that bill more if you want"
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is easy and fun to drive. It feels light and lets you slide the car a bit, making driving exciting and enjoyable.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster known for its playful handling and fun driving experience. It is often praised for its balance, body weight transfer, and engaging driving dynamics.
roadster
"But you know arguably a wonderful driver's car, you know to me a sports car a roadster is like the Classic, you know form factor of a sports car. So I kind of feel like that's 2000 kind of nailed it"
A roadster is a small car with two seats and no roof or a removable roof, made for fun driving and feeling the wind.
A roadster is a type of sports car that typically has two seats and an open top, emphasizing driving enjoyment and a classic sporty design.
Lotus Elise
"Had been waiting for the Lotus Elise since the 90s... my deposit was with the Lotus deal for years before it finally, you know, it showed up in November of 2004"
The Lotus Elise is a small, light sports car from Britain that is really fun to drive because it handles corners very well. People waited a long time to get it in the US.
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight British sports car known for its exceptional handling and minimalist design. It was eagerly anticipated in the US market since the 1990s and officially arrived in 2004.
Lotus Exige
"...r questions on that because Even if you go Lotus exige forward, there's so many cool variants as to s 24..."
The Lotus Exige is a small and very light car made for driving fast on race tracks. There are many versions with different levels of power.
The Lotus Exige is a lightweight, track-focused sports car known for its sharp handling and minimalistic design. It has many variants that cater to different performance preferences.
V6 engine
"What's that crazy-ass race car thing that has well, I want I want a v6 cup. That's what I want to drive... So basically a v66 z with an old roof step in car"
A V6 engine is a type of car engine with six cylinders shaped like a V. It helps the car have good power and run smoothly.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It offers a balance of power and smoothness in a compact size.
Lotus Emira
"...we we've we've finished up some tuning on a lotus emira So there's a new variant of the emira that has t..."
The Lotus Emira is a new sports car that is light and fast, designed to be fun to drive while looking modern and stylish.
The Lotus Emira is a modern sports car that combines lightweight engineering with contemporary design and performance. It represents Lotus's latest effort to blend traditional driving purity with modern technology.
special editions
""Create some buzz around the car to get people excited and when you do that, you know, like these special editions whether you know, it's a speciale or Scuderia or you know, an ST or R or whatever that you think these are wonderful smart strategies""
Special editions are special versions of cars made in small numbers to celebrate something cool, like a race or anniversary. They usually look or perform a bit differently to make them special.
Special editions are limited-run versions of cars created to celebrate events, places, or milestones, often featuring unique styling or performance upgrades to generate excitement and exclusivity.
dealer network
""Just I'm clear that was a dealer that essentially the Australian network I essentially modified that car. It was a that's it wasn't an official It was official Lotus product, but only because of that dealer network""
A dealer network is all the car shops that officially sell and fix a certain brand of cars in an area.
A dealer network is the group of authorized dealerships that sell and service a particular car brand in a region, sometimes influencing special editions or modifications locally.
AMG
"And so on these AMG powered cars, there's several variants that I'm sure they're just tuning variants that they're just gonna Uncork the power every year."
AMG is a part of Mercedes that makes cars faster and more powerful.
AMG is the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, responsible for tuning and enhancing engines and vehicles to deliver increased power and sportier characteristics.
market-specific power tuning
"You know, for example when they introduced that car in the UK It made less power than the one that we actually ended up getting here in the States"
Sometimes car makers make cars a bit different for different countries, like making them less or more powerful.
Market-specific power tuning is when manufacturers adjust the power output of a car depending on the country or region, often due to regulations or marketing strategies.
Tony Karts
"They're not like the types of go karts that you these are Tony karts, but they're all branded Lando Norris."
Tony Karts are special racing go karts made by a company called Tony. They are fast and used in serious go kart races.
Tony Karts is a well-known manufacturer of high-performance go karts used in competitive kart racing worldwide. They are recognized for their quality chassis and racing pedigree.
electric go karts
"They're not like the types of go karts that you these are Tony karts, but they're all branded Lando Norris. They're electric"
Electric go karts are small racing cars that run on batteries instead of gas. They can be very fast and are quieter than gas ones.
Electric go karts use electric motors powered by batteries instead of traditional gas engines, offering instant torque and quieter operation. They are becoming popular in kart racing for their performance and environmental benefits.
go kart racing
""I don't want to waste time talking about it, but long story short is go cart racing. Unlike normal motorsports racing is completely different and you can learn racing skills from go cart racing. But it doesn't directly transfer to actually racing for example, you know a real race car because there's no suspension.""
Go kart racing means driving small, simple race cars called go karts. It's a fun way to learn how to race, but it's different from racing big cars because go karts don't have parts like springs to make the ride smooth.
Go kart racing is a form of motorsport involving small, open-wheel vehicles called go karts. It is often used as a training ground for developing racing skills, though the skills don't always directly transfer to full-sized race cars due to differences like the lack of suspension.
suspension
""But it doesn't directly transfer to actually racing for example, you know a real race car because there's no suspension. Not real suspension on a go cart.""
Suspension is the part of a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and keeps the wheels touching the road so the car drives better and safer.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect a vehicle to its wheels, allowing for better handling and comfort by absorbing bumps and maintaining tire contact with the road.
camber
""You can control that there are essentially you can control camber caster""
Camber means how much the wheels tilt inward or outward when looking from the front or back of the car. Changing this helps the car turn better or wear tires more evenly.
Camber is the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis of the car. Adjusting camber affects tire contact with the road and can influence handling and tire wear.
BMW M2
"...ticle from AutoCard this week saying that the BMW M2 They're now gonna put the X-Drive all-wheel driv..."
The BMW M2 is a small, fast car that is fun to drive and easy to handle. Newer versions have better grip because they have all-wheel drive.
The BMW M2 is a compact high-performance coupe that offers sharp handling and strong power, often praised for its driver-focused dynamics. Recent updates include the addition of all-wheel drive (xDrive) for improved traction.
0-60 time
"you can add more power and you can actually use the power and you can launch it in zero to 60s faster if you're Running all four wheels"
0-60 time is how fast a car can go from stopped to 60 miles per hour. It shows how quickly the car can speed up.
The 0-60 time measures how quickly a car can accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour, indicating its acceleration performance.
rear-wheel drive
"rear-wheel drive limits the the ability for those for many to daily drive this car And I just want to share to two winters ago Salt Lake City had the snowiest"
Rear-wheel drive means the back wheels make the car move. This can make it harder to drive in snow or rain.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels only, which can affect handling and traction, especially in slippery conditions.
BMW Z4
"...eir top sports cars of 2026 One of those was the z4 m40i with the manual transmission bmw"
The BMW Z4 is a small convertible car that is fun to drive and can come with a stick shift, making it more exciting for drivers.
The BMW Z4 is a sporty two-seat roadster known for its sharp handling and available manual transmissions, offering a pure driving experience. The M40i variant provides a balance of performance and everyday usability.
BMW X3
"One of those was the z4 m40i with the manual transmission bmw And you know, I..."
The BMW X3 is a medium-sized SUV that is comfortable and fun to drive. It's good for families or people who want a car that can do many things.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. It is a popular choice for those wanting a sporty yet versatile vehicle.
EV
""I'm excited about this car. I like EVs for a daily driver""
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It’s quiet and doesn’t pollute the air like regular cars.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car powered entirely or primarily by electric batteries instead of gasoline. EVs are known for quiet operation, instant torque, and zero tailpipe emissions.
Porsche Boxster
"...ight. It's withoutie not with the Porsche Cayman Boxster and Right because it is more of a GT. They are m..."
The Porsche Boxster is a sporty car you can drive with the roof down. It shares many parts with the Cayman but is made for people who want to enjoy driving outside.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine convertible sports car closely related to the Cayman coupe, offering a thrilling open-top driving experience. It helped Porsche expand its lineup and appeal to drivers seeking a pure sports car with the brand's pedigree.
Porsche Cayman
"...ew is right. It's withoutie not with the Porsche Cayman Boxster and Right because it is more of a GT. Th..."
The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car with the engine placed in the middle, which helps it drive really well. It's a bit cheaper than the famous 911 but still very fun to drive.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car offering sharp handling and strong performance, often praised for its balance and driver engagement. It is considered a more affordable and practical alternative to the 911 while still delivering a true Porsche experience.
Ferrari 430 Scuderia
"... pista was completely different than the 488 The 430 scuderia, which we also had was completely different than ..."
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is a special, faster version of a Ferrari that is made for racing and driving on tracks. It's different from other Ferrari cars because it's lighter and quicker.
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is a lightweight, track-focused version of the F430, offering enhanced performance and sharper handling. It is distinct from other Ferrari models like the 488 and 458 due to its raw driving character.
hybrid
"The the cs version now and you can tell by looking at the spy shots. No hybrid"
A hybrid car has both a gas engine and electric motors working together to make the car faster or use less fuel.
A hybrid car uses both an internal combustion engine and electric motors to improve performance and efficiency.
horsepower
"And it's not going to have the hybrid which means it will have less horsepower than the standard"
Horsepower tells you how strong the car's engine is and how fast it can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine, affecting a car's speed and acceleration.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...nd two seconds zero to 60, but not just it's just corvettes have always been fast in a straight line It's ac..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and powerful car from the USA that many people love because it goes really fast in a straight line and looks cool.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an American sports car icon known for delivering high performance and straight-line speed at a relatively affordable price. It has a long history of combining muscle car power with sports car handling.
electric cars
"But the newest version of it. They're fast. This thing is faster than electric cars from a"
Electric cars run on batteries and electric motors instead of gasoline, and they can be very fast.
Electric cars are vehicles powered entirely or primarily by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, offering instant torque and often quicker acceleration.
Porsche Carrera T
"...-level Carrera, which I think they're calling the Carrera t You go look for those things. They're"
The Porsche Carrera GT is a very fast and special car with a big engine. It's rare and many people want one because it looks cool and drives great.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a rare, high-performance supercar known for its naturally aspirated V10 engine and advanced engineering. It is highly prized by collectors due to its performance and exclusivity.
option packages
""Porsche is being rewarded for producing more option packages""
Option packages are extra features or add-ons you can choose when buying a car, like special seats or fancy wheels, but they usually cost more money.
Option packages are sets of additional features or accessories that manufacturers offer to buyers, often increasing the vehicle's price and customization possibilities.
turbo
"I think that's where the turbos are coming into play"
A turbo is a part that helps a car's engine make more power by pushing extra air inside. This makes the car faster without needing a bigger engine.
A turbo (turbocharger) is a device that forces more air into an engine's combustion chamber, increasing power output without significantly increasing engine size. Turbos are commonly used to improve performance and efficiency.
Porsche Cayenne
"...of the cars that like saved Porsche I get it the cayenne was right there too, but and then they decided th..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a big, fancy SUV that helped Porsche make more money and reach more people. It drives well for an SUV and has a sporty feel.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that played a crucial role in saving Porsche financially by broadening its market appeal. It combines Porsche's performance heritage with the practicality and space of an SUV.
Porsche 911
"...car one that I actually think is better than most 911s. Yes. I said that but it's"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that looks unique and drives really well. It's been around a long time and many people think it's one of the best sports cars.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional driving dynamics. It has a rich heritage and is often considered the benchmark for sports cars.
Porsche 918 Spyder
"...st 10 years But you know, look when they had the 918 they were having a hard time selling them Okay, ..."
The Porsche 918 Spyder is a very fast and special car that uses both a gas engine and electric motors. It was hard to buy because it was very expensive and rare.
The Porsche 918 Spyder is a limited-production hybrid supercar known for its cutting-edge technology and blistering performance. Despite its capabilities, it faced sales challenges due to its high price and exclusivity.
BMW M5
"...ck it is the suit and one that Competits for the m5 if you go to you can actually spec A billion dif..."
The BMW M5 is a fast and comfortable car that looks like a regular sedan but has a lot of power and special features to make driving exciting.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury sedan that combines powerful engines with refined comfort and advanced technology. It competes in the segment of fast executive cars and offers various customization options.
value retention
"if all the sudden Porsche started depreciating if gt3 has lost 20 or 30 percent of their value In the first two or three years. What would happen to the Porsche mystique chenille?"
Value retention means how much money a car keeps when you sell it later, instead of losing a lot of its price.
Value retention refers to how well a car maintains its resale value over time, which can affect its desirability and brand reputation.
Ford Flex
"...ey're buying them maybe for the you know The the flex factors the kids like to say and those are going ..."
The Ford Flex is a big car that can fit a lot of people and stuff inside. It looks different from other cars and is good for families.
The Ford Flex is a boxy, three-row crossover SUV known for its spacious interior and distinctive styling. It appeals to families needing practical space with a unique design.
Ferrari Luce
"...e v12. They're coming out this new one called the luce. Oh, yeah Yeah, luce, luce. Yeah, yeah, yeah, ri..."
The Ferrari Luce is a new or special Ferrari car with a powerful engine. Not much is known yet, but it's expected to be very fast and fancy.
The Ferrari Luce appears to be a newer or less common Ferrari model, possibly referring to an upcoming or concept car featuring a V12 engine. Details are limited but it represents Ferrari's continued innovation.
Ferrari F355
"...her have that or would you rather have A Ferrari f355 Coupe with a six speed manual and an e 36 m3"
The Ferrari F355 is a fancy sports car from the 1990s that looks amazing and is fun to drive because it has a powerful engine and a manual gearbox.
The Ferrari F355 is a classic 1990s supercar known for its beautiful design, high-revving V8 engine, and engaging manual transmission. It remains a highly sought-after model among collectors and enthusiasts.
Audi Rs6
"start out in Dallas in a Audi RS6 Avant which we still have So that was incredible..."
The Audi RS6 Avant is a fast and powerful car that looks like a station wagon, so it can carry a lot but still go very fast.
The Audi RS6 Avant is a high-performance wagon that combines practicality with powerful engines and sporty handling. It is highly regarded for offering supercar-level performance in a versatile package.
BMW 550S
"...name Started with Porsche. He was racing Porsche 550s in the 1950s. Did you know that there was yeah A..."
The BMW 5 Series is a comfortable and nice car that many people use for work or family. It drives well and has lots of features.
The BMW 5 Series is a midsize luxury sedan known for its blend of performance, technology, and comfort. It has been a staple in BMW's lineup, appealing to executives and enthusiasts alike.
Porsche 550S
"...ber his name Started with Porsche. He was racing Porsche 550s in the 1950s. Did you know that there was yeah A..."
The Porsche 550 Spyder is an old, small race car from the 1950s that was very fast and light. It's famous because a movie star used to drive one.
The Porsche 550 Spyder is a legendary 1950s race car famous for its lightweight design and motorsport success. It is also known for its association with actor James Dean.
Corvette 06
"What I rather have a Corvette 06 for 125 Or a 992 Carrera s for 200 grand"
The Corvette is a fast and powerful car from America that many people like because it is cheaper than some fancy sports cars but still very quick.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a legendary American sports car known for its performance and value. The 2006 model is often compared to high-end sports cars like the Porsche 992 Carrera S.
Buick Grand Sport
"... a 6.7 liter motor at a unique motor just for the grand sport That why couldn't they put a manual transmission..."
The Buick Gran Sport is a powerful car made by Buick that has a big engine. It is strong but usually doesn't come with a stick shift.
The Buick Gran Sport is a performance-oriented variant of Buick's lineup, sometimes featuring unique engines like a 6.7-liter motor. It is notable for combining luxury with muscle car power, though manual transmissions are rare.
aftermarket development
""Well, I think that was like an aftermarket type development by Tremac""
Aftermarket development means making or adding parts to a car that didn’t come from the company that built the car originally.
Aftermarket development refers to modifications or parts created by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer, often to add features or improve performance.
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.