Francis Bourgeois on driving a ‘fast car slow’, or ‘slow car fast’? | The Car Podcast #62
About this episode
A lively debate unfolds around the concept of driving a 'fast car slow' versus a 'slow car fast', featuring guest Francis Bourgeois. The hosts share personal anecdotes and preferences, highlighting the joy of extracting maximum performance from less powerful vehicles while appreciating the engineering excellence of high-performance cars. The conversation shifts to Aston Martin's potential privatization and the challenges faced by the brand, alongside discussions on motorsport events and the appeal of kit cars. The episode blends humor with insightful commentary on car culture and the automotive industry.
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This week, we’re very lucky to have a special guest join us – Francis Bourgeois. There was of course train related tangents – spinoff pod coming? We hope you enjoy.
(00:06) Drive a slow car fast or a fast car slow?
(14:48) Aston Martin news
(36:27) Brilliant motorsport events in UK to go to in 2026
(49:11) Kit cars - can they be cool?
(59:08) Cherry advertising stunt on Stairway to Heaven
(1:13:04) 2CG
(1:22:23) Music
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Daimler
"With the old Daimler. Yep. So the Daimler, sadly, has had a V8 ledge, has had a bit of a tricky day."
Daimler is a well-known car brand that makes luxury cars. They have been around for a long time and are known for their stylish and high-quality vehicles.
Daimler is a historic British automotive brand known for luxury vehicles. The brand has a rich heritage and has produced various models over the years, often associated with elegance and performance.
engine warning light
"and the engine morning light came on."
The engine warning light is a light on your car's dashboard that tells you there might be a problem with the engine. If it lights up, it's a good idea to check it out.
The engine warning light is an indicator on the dashboard that alerts the driver to potential issues with the engine or emissions system. When illuminated, it often requires diagnostic testing to determine the exact problem.
AMG
"...but he loves his cars, big AMG man,..."
AMG makes faster and sportier versions of Mercedes cars. They are known for their powerful engines and special features that make the cars more exciting to drive.
AMG is a performance and tuning subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, known for enhancing the performance and luxury of their vehicles. They produce high-performance versions of various Mercedes models, often featuring more powerful engines and sportier designs.
Honda Jazz
"...Obviously the Honda Jazz, which you know about."
The Honda Jazz is a small car that's very practical and good on gas. It's known for having a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families.
The Honda Jazz, also known as the Honda Fit in some markets, is a subcompact car known for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and versatility. It's popular for city driving and as a practical family car.
Land Rover Defender
"...the Land Rover Defender, you know, the new one. It can go up at 72 degrees, up a slope..."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It's built to be strong and reliable, making it a favorite for people who love outdoor activities.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in challenging terrains. It's designed for both urban and off-road use, making it a popular choice among adventure enthusiasts.
Nissan Micra
"...driving my Nissan Micra 1.2S automatic from Froome in Somerset to where I used to go..."
The Nissan Micra is a small car that's easy to drive and park. The 1.2S model has a 1.2-liter engine, which is good for city driving and saves on fuel costs.
The Nissan Micra is a compact car known for its practicality and efficiency. The 1.2S variant features a 1.2-liter engine and is designed for urban driving, making it a popular choice for those seeking a small, economical vehicle.
auto box
"...the gear chain takes quite a long time in that auto box."
An auto box is a type of car transmission that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it manually. It's convenient for everyday driving.
An 'auto box' refers to an automatic transmission, which shifts gears automatically without driver input, making driving easier, especially in traffic.
Buick Regal
"...orum and restraint. And all of it just flows in a regal, beautiful fashion. We could talk about this ques..."
The Buick Regal is a comfortable car that’s good for families. It has nice features and is known for being dependable.
The Buick Regal is a mid-size sedan that has been known for its comfortable ride and upscale features. It has a reputation for being a reliable family car with a touch of luxury.
Ford Fiesta
"I can remember being as performant as a kid. And I saw a Ford Fiesta come into view at an angle I've never seen since."
The Ford Fiesta is a small car that's easy to drive and park, making it a good choice for city driving.
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car known for its practicality and efficiency. It's popular in urban environments due to its small size and maneuverability.
body roll
"...because it has something called catching body roll. And body roll, you know, is the best thing. When you see someone, you know,..."
Body roll is when a car leans to one side while turning. It happens because the car's suspension moves differently on each side, and it can make the car feel less stable.
Body roll refers to the tilting of a vehicle's body during cornering. It occurs when the car's suspension compresses on one side and extends on the other, which can affect handling and stability.
CV
"...we don't have two CVs on the road anymore."
The CV is a small, simple car from France that was made for many years. It's famous for being easy to drive and very economical.
The Citroën 2CV, often referred to simply as the 'CV', is a classic French car known for its simplicity and practicality. It was produced from 1948 to 1990 and is recognized for its unique design and economical performance.
Volkswagen Polo
"...and you're the master of that road in your Polo one liter."
The Volkswagen Polo is a small car that is great for city driving and is known for being economical on fuel. It's a popular choice for many drivers, especially in Europe.
The Volkswagen Polo is a subcompact car known for its practicality and efficiency. It is popular in Europe and offers a range of engine options, including smaller, fuel-efficient variants.
Bugatti Veyron
"...doing this, is being at the traffic lights in the Veyron when you've got the absolute tit in his golf bar ..."
The Bugatti Veyron is a super fancy sports car that can go really, really fast—faster than almost any other car. It's very expensive and is made for people who love high-performance vehicles.
The Bugatti Veyron is a luxury hypercar that was once the fastest production car in the world, known for its incredible speed and engineering excellence. It represents the pinnacle of automotive performance and luxury.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
"...some of the new cars as a Valkyrie in there as well. And they were lovely."
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a super-fast car that uses both a traditional engine and an electric motor to go really fast and handle well. It's designed for racing and has a very unique look.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a high-performance hypercar known for its advanced aerodynamics and hybrid powertrain, combining a naturally aspirated V12 engine with an electric motor for exceptional performance.
Aston Martin DBS
"...I'd get excited seeing a DBS, a Vantage, a Vanquish..."
The Aston Martin DBS is a high-end sports car that looks great and drives fast. It's famous for being in James Bond movies.
The Aston Martin DBS is a luxury grand tourer known for its elegant design and powerful performance. It has been featured in various James Bond films, enhancing its iconic status.
Aston Martin Vantage
"...a Vantage, a Vanquish and the cars that I know then..."
The Aston Martin Vantage is a sporty car that is smaller and more affordable than the DBS but still very powerful and stylish.
The Aston Martin Vantage is a sports car that combines performance with luxury, often regarded as the entry-level model in Aston Martin's lineup, but still offers thrilling driving dynamics.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"...a Vanquish and the cars that I know then have the way that they've grown..."
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a top-of-the-line luxury sports car that offers a lot of power and a beautiful look, making it very desirable.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a flagship grand tourer known for its stunning design and powerful V12 engine, representing the pinnacle of Aston Martin's engineering and luxury.
Aston Martin Valhalla
"but I'm curious to see the Valhalla, for example, and how that works together with what they already have."
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a new supercar that uses both a traditional engine and electric power to go really fast. It's part of Aston Martin's effort to make more modern and eco-friendly cars.
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a hybrid supercar that represents the brand's push towards electrification and high performance. It features advanced technology and is designed to compete with other high-end sports cars.
Aston Martin Rapide
"I was disappointed you didn't mention the Rapide. The Rapide. I love the Rapide."
The Aston Martin Rapide is a fancy sports car with four doors. It's designed to be both fast and comfortable, making it great for long drives or just looking stylish.
The Aston Martin Rapide is a luxury four-door sports car known for its elegant design and high performance. It combines the characteristics of a grand tourer with the practicality of a sedan, making it unique in the Aston Martin lineup.
Formula One
"...the sponsorship on the side of an Aston Martin Formula One car, the biggest words are the words Aramco."
Formula One is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and takes place on special tracks around the world.
Formula One is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed cars and prestigious races held worldwide.
Aramco
"...the biggest words are the words Aramco."
Aramco is a big oil company from Saudi Arabia that sponsors many events, including car racing.
Aramco, officially known as Saudi Arabian Oil Company, is one of the largest oil companies in the world and a major sponsor in Formula One.
TVR
"...we were talking last week about TVR. How much money would it take to develop the perfect TVR?"
TVR is a car brand from the UK that makes sporty cars. They are known for being fast and fun to drive, but they are not as common as brands like Ford or BMW.
TVR is a British manufacturer known for producing lightweight sports cars with a focus on performance and driving experience. They have a rich history in motorsport and are recognized for their unique designs and powerful engines.
brake horsepower
"And it produces 1,750 brake horsepower. But what's the power?"
Brake horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is before any energy is lost to things like heat and friction. It's a way to measure how strong the engine really is.
Brake horsepower (BHP) is a measure of an engine's power output before losses such as friction and heat are accounted for. It is often used to indicate the performance capability of an engine.
V12
"189 litres for the V12."
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders arranged in a V shape. This design helps the engine run smoothly and produce a lot of power, often used in fancy or fast cars.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in two banks of six cylinders, forming a 'V' shape. This configuration allows for smooth operation and high power output, commonly found in luxury and high-performance vehicles.
Aston Martin DB9 Volante
"...when I saw Chris Cooper driving his DB9 Volante"
The Aston Martin DB9 Volante is a fancy sports car that you can drive with the top down. It's known for being very stylish and fast, making it a popular choice among luxury car lovers.
The Aston Martin DB9 Volante is a luxury convertible sports car known for its elegant design and powerful performance. It features a V12 engine and is part of Aston Martin's lineup that emphasizes both style and driving experience.
BMW F12
"...ring wheel and tyres? Oh, it feels like a fucking F12. They all feel the same."
The BMW 6 Series is a stylish and powerful car that’s great for long drives. It feels luxurious inside and is fun to drive.
The BMW 6 Series is a luxury grand tourer known for its elegant design and powerful performance. It is often praised for its driving dynamics and high-quality interior.
Ferrari F12
"Oh, it feels like a fucking F12. They all feel the same."
The Ferrari F12 is a fast sports car made by Ferrari. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive.
The Ferrari F12 is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V12 engine and exceptional handling. It represents Ferrari's commitment to luxury and speed.
drag racing
"...Drag racing at Santa pod. Oh my. Brilliant."
Drag racing is a race between two cars to see which one can go the fastest in a straight line. It's usually done on a short track, and the cars are built to go really fast in a short amount of time.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing where two vehicles compete to be the first to cross a finish line, typically over a straight quarter-mile track. It's known for its high speeds and quick acceleration, often featuring specialized vehicles designed for maximum performance.
Top Fuel dragsters
"...Top fuel dragsters. There's probably only three or four half a dozen in Europe."
Top Fuel dragsters are extremely fast race cars that can go from zero to very high speeds in just a few seconds. They are built specifically for drag racing and are some of the most powerful cars in the world.
Top Fuel dragsters are among the fastest and most powerful racing vehicles in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 330 mph in just a few seconds. They are specifically designed for drag racing and utilize supercharged engines that produce thousands of horsepower.
Santa Pod
"So I mean the day at Santa pod Santa pod I think is the lots of motor venues are really really busy but I think Santa pod is right up there in terms of the busiest motorsport event venue sort of almost anywhere in Europe is brilliant."
Santa Pod is a famous racetrack in the UK where people go to watch and participate in drag racing. It's very popular and hosts many big racing events throughout the year.
Santa Pod is a renowned drag racing venue located in the UK, known for hosting various motorsport events, including the FIA European Championship finals. It attracts a large number of motorsport enthusiasts and participants, making it one of the busiest venues in Europe.
FIA European Championship finals
"Definitely European finals is the blue ribbon event in September FIA European championship finals is brilliant."
The FIA European Championship finals is a big racing event in Europe where the best drag racers compete against each other. It's a special event that many fans look forward to each year.
The FIA European Championship finals is a prestigious drag racing event that showcases top competitors from across Europe. It is organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), which is the governing body for motorsport worldwide.
Mini Clubman
"Yeah you have you've got a clubman is a clubman you got. The basic one."
The Mini Clubman is a type of Mini car that is a bit bigger than the regular Mini. It has more space inside for passengers and luggage, making it a practical choice for small families.
The Mini Clubman is a compact car known for its distinctive design and practicality. It features a longer body compared to the standard Mini, providing more cargo space and rear passenger room.
rallycross
"...it's a bit like rallycross it's brilliant fun and if you've got a Land Rover or an off-road vehicle..."
Rallycross is a type of car racing that happens on a mix of surfaces, like dirt and pavement. It's exciting because several cars race at the same time on a small track, making it very competitive.
Rallycross is a form of motorsport that combines elements of rally racing and circuit racing, typically involving mixed surfaces like dirt and asphalt. It features short, intense races on closed courses with multiple cars racing simultaneously.
Land Rover
"...if you've got a Land Rover or an off-road vehicle hillside of a farm somewhere..."
Land Rover is a brand that makes tough and fancy cars, especially designed for driving off-road. They are great for adventures and can also be used for regular driving.
Land Rover is a British automotive brand known for its luxury SUVs and off-road vehicles. They are designed for both rugged terrain and comfortable on-road driving, making them popular for adventure and everyday use.
Lancia Stratos
"...ent easily anywhere in the UK is fantastic Lancia Stratos is TR7 V8 Mark II Escorts wonderful"
The Lancia Stratos is a unique-looking car that was built for racing and became really famous in the 70s. It's now a classic that many car lovers want to own.
The Lancia Stratos is a rally car that became famous in the 1970s for its distinctive design and success in motorsport. It is considered a classic and is highly sought after by collectors.
restomod
"versus a rest of mods and as you pointed out you know rest of mod is something that someone can just buy and do whatever with..."
A restomod is when someone takes an old car, fixes it up, and adds new parts to make it better while keeping its classic look. It's a way to enjoy the style of an old car with the benefits of modern features.
A restomod is a vehicle that has been restored and modified with modern components while retaining its classic appearance. This approach allows car enthusiasts to enjoy the aesthetics of vintage cars with the performance and reliability of newer technology.
Shelby Cobra
"apologize I know it's maybe calls wrong with a cobra yes I know there's so many different levels of co..."
The Shelby Cobra is a fast sports car that was made a long time ago and is famous for its speed and cool looks. It's a favorite among car collectors and racing fans.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that was originally produced in the 1960s, known for its powerful V8 engine and lightweight design. It has become an iconic symbol of American muscle and racing heritage.
Lamborghini Cuntash
"Volkswagen Beetle chassis with a Lamborghini cuntash body is a very good idea I'm not convinced I"
The Lamborghini Countach is a super cool sports car that looks very different and fast. It was really popular in the 80s and is still loved by car fans today.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its striking design and powerful V12 engine. It became an icon of the 1980s and is celebrated for its performance and unique styling.
BMW Z3
"...in Miami Vice they use a cool vet didn't they the Z3 for the day had a guy build that Daytona body"
The BMW Z3 is a small, stylish convertible car that was popular in the 90s. It’s fun to drive and looks cool, especially if you like open-top driving.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster that gained fame in the late 1990s, particularly for its appearance in the TV show Miami Vice. It is known for its sporty handling and classic design.
McLaren F1
"it's basically the chassis that Gordon Murray used when he was developing the McCarran F1 and the GMA cars because it's a great chassis"
The McLaren F1 is a very fast and expensive sports car that was made in the 1990s. It's famous for being one of the best cars ever built.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar known for its innovative design and performance. It was developed in the 1990s and is often regarded as one of the greatest sports cars of all time.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
"well if you want to take a Range Rover sport into China"
The Range Rover Sport is a fancy SUV that can drive on tough terrains but also feels very comfortable inside. It's great for people who want to go on adventures while enjoying luxury.
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with high-end comfort and performance. It's designed for those who want both adventure and sophistication in their vehicle.
differential
"...and a clanking of differential bits making a break for freedom through an axle casing..."
A differential is a part of a car that helps the wheels turn at different speeds when going around corners. This is important for keeping the car stable and preventing tire wear.
A differential is a mechanical component that allows for the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially important when turning. It helps maintain traction and stability in vehicles, particularly in off-road conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Aclass
"since Mercedes-Benz put a picture out of an A-class on its side an elk walking off to have a shit"
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a small, fancy car that looks nice and has lots of cool features. It's a good choice for people who want a luxury car without being too big.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury hatchback that offers a blend of style, technology, and performance. It is aimed at younger buyers looking for an entry point into the Mercedes brand.
Audi Tt
"I ended up going for the original Audi TT oh okay"
The Audi TT RS is a sporty car that goes really fast and looks sleek. It's a fun car for people who enjoy driving and want something that stands out.
The Audi TT RS is a high-performance version of the Audi TT, featuring a powerful turbocharged engine and sporty design. It is celebrated for its driving dynamics and distinctive styling.
Renault 5
"...a grade 8 company car guy so I could only get the Renault 5 Turbo but the senior merchandisers"
The Renault 5 Turbo is a small car that was made for speed and racing. It’s popular among fans of classic cars because of its fun driving experience.
The Renault 5 Turbo is a compact hatchback known for its performance and rally heritage. It features a turbocharged engine and has a cult following among enthusiasts.
Peugeot 205 GTI
"get the 8 valve 205 GTI 16 valve"
The Peugeot 205 GTI is a small, sporty car that’s really fun to drive. It’s known for being quick and agile, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Peugeot 205 GTI is a hot hatch that gained a reputation for its fun driving dynamics and lightweight design. It is considered one of the best small performance cars of its era.
Nissan Armada
"this week the song is My Friend by Groove Armada just a wonderful"
The Nissan Armada is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It’s great for families and can handle rough roads.
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV designed for families and towing, offering spacious interiors and a powerful engine. It is known for its off-road capabilities and luxury features.
Jeep Cherokee
"visit D-POP.com Grand Cherokee Laredo X for just $249 a month for"
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It's popular because it offers a lot of space and is great for families or anyone who likes to explore.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has been a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, making it a significant model in Jeep's lineup.
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