{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Great Car Features That Failed (And Vice Versa) — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Cammisa & DTS — Ep 231","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/great-car-features-that-failed-and-vice-versa-the-carmudgeon-show-w-cammisa-dts-ep-231","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/HGM3599173304.mp3","description":"Every year, manufactures launch new features that we usually don’t know that we want. Sometimes, these features are so effective and popular, they disrupt an industry and become government-mandated. Other times, they become quickly forgotten and unwanted by society. Until recent years, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the purveyor of new automotive technology - we’d see something in an S Class that we know we might get 15 years later on a Nissan Versa. But even the S-Class had some misses - debuting technology that quickly went away after the next generation.\n\n===\nVisit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! \n===\n\nNowadays, more than ever - we notice manufactures cutting corners in areas where they have no business doing so. No one-touch windows (Subaru Crosstrek), CarPlay being a $4,000+ option (Ferrari, until 2023), non-amber turn signals (BMW), and lacking spare tires on cars we know need them (Volkswagen e-Golf).\n\nThis got us thinking - what are the best and worst features in history that have ever been invented? What features seemed like they’d be popular, but flunked? What features seemed dumb and first, but are now on every car sold? Jason and Derek do a deep dive on this episode - tune in to find out.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":10.66,"endTime":15.12,"type":"car","title":"Ford Lobo","url":"/cars/ford/lobo","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Ford_Lobo_IMG001.jpg","quote":"...this episode is about...  There's a Ford Maverick Lobo behind us.  That means wolf?","canonicalId":"car:ford:lobo","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Lobo” is used as a name/trim reference in the context of a Ford Maverick, as mentioned in the podcast (“Ford Maverick Lobo”). It’s likely being discussed as a branding detail rather than a separate vehicle model. The mention is tied to the speaker’s joke about “wolf,” which highlights how the name is perceived.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Lobo” is a name used with a Ford Maverick in the podcast. It’s probably a trim or special version name, not a completely different car. The speaker mentions it because it sounds like “wolf.”","imageAttribution":"Anonymousfox36 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":55.7,"endTime":58.84,"type":"concept","title":"spare tire","url":"/glossary/spare-tire","quote":"He cuts right to it, because car makers are stupid. Where's my spare tire?","canonicalId":"concept:spare-tire","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A spare tire is the backup wheel used if you get a flat, letting you keep driving (often to a shop) instead of being stranded. Many modern vehicles either include a full-size spare, a compact “donut” spare, or no spare at all—so whether a spare is present is a practical ownership consideration."}},{"startTime":82.2,"endTime":104.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Maverick","url":"/cars/ford/maverick","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1972_Ford_Maverick_Sprint_%28616806978%29.jpg","quote":"So, behind us is a Ford Maverick. ... But, so I get in the Ford Maverick. I've driven at 13.7 miles, and have determined I would totally buy that car.","canonicalId":"car:ford:maverick","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Maverick is Ford’s compact pickup truck, known for being relatively affordable and practical compared with larger trucks. In this segment, the host is describing personal driving impressions and whether they’d buy one.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck from Ford. The speaker is saying they drove it for a short time and liked it enough that they’d consider buying it.","imageAttribution":"dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":135.0,"endTime":141.4,"type":"concept","title":"saved three cents","url":"/glossary/saved-three-cents","quote":"And all four windows went down. And that started a whole tirade in my head about manufacturers who saved three cents. So, I've been getting a lot of press cars lately.","canonicalId":"concept:saved-three-cents","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is a rhetorical way to criticize cost-cutting—spending less on small features that affect day-to-day usability. The speaker’s point is that even expensive cars can feel worse if manufacturers remove “small” conveniences.","simplifiedExplanation":"He’s saying the company cut corners on tiny details to save money. Those small cuts add up to a worse experience, even on an expensive car."}},{"startTime":196.9,"endTime":198.9,"type":"term","title":"automatic up and down","url":"/glossary/automatic-up-and-down","quote":"So, they all have automatic up and down,\nbut they have left and right ones","canonicalId":"term:automatic-up-and-down","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is the same “one-touch” power window behavior, repeated to emphasize that the windows move automatically. The speaker then connects it to why left and right switches can differ even when both have auto operation.","simplifiedExplanation":"Again, this means the window can go up or down automatically with one press. The speaker is saying that even with that convenience, left and right controls can still be different."}},{"startTime":400.94000000000005,"endTime":402.7,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Venue","url":"/cars/hyundai/venue","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/00_hyundai_venue_1.jpg","quote":"There's nothing...  Hyundai Venue, a little SUV.  I can forgive a little bit on rea...","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:venue","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai Venue is a small subcompact SUV aimed at buyers who want an easy-to-drive, city-friendly vehicle. The podcast mentions it as a “little SUV,” suggesting it’s being discussed in the context of size and practicality. It’s brought up because it’s a common type of vehicle people consider for everyday use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hyundai Venue is a small SUV made by Hyundai. It’s designed to be easy to drive, especially in cities. The podcast mentions it as an example of a “little SUV.”","imageAttribution":"Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":430.2,"endTime":457.6,"type":"term","title":"turn signals","url":"/glossary/turn-signals","quote":"Because it's demonstrably proven that amber rear turn signals save lives. Don't forget about BMW's idiotic now insistence of the turn signals...","canonicalId":"term:turn-signals","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Turn signals are the exterior indicators used to communicate lane changes and turns. The discussion contrasts different lighting strategies (like amber vs red, and how long the signal stays illuminated) and argues that clearer, more consistent signaling improves safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"Turn signals are the lights that tell other drivers you’re turning or changing lanes. The hosts are arguing that how the signal is designed—color and timing—can make it easier for people to notice you."}},{"startTime":485.7,"endTime":489.74,"type":"car","title":"911 Porsche Gt3S","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/2013_Porsche_911_Carrera_4S_%28991%29_%289626546987%29.jpg","quote":"...n some sense because, for example, if you look at Porsche GT3s,  the 23.7 gallon fuel tank is optional so that t...","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 911 is the model line being discussed, and the podcast specifically references fuel tank capacity details on certain 911 variants like the GT3. The point is that some configurations can change practical range because the fuel tank size may be optional. It’s mentioned because the 911’s many variants can differ in everyday usability.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 911 is a sports car model line. The podcast talks about how some versions can have different fuel tank sizes, which affects how far you can drive before refueling. It’s brought up as a practical detail about real-world range.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":516.42,"endTime":529.2,"type":"term","title":"car play","url":"/glossary/carplay","quote":"But by contrast, car play was not universally selected... Oh, it doesn't have car play because somebody didn't want to pay four grand.","canonicalId":"term:carplay","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“CarPlay” is Apple’s in-car system that mirrors and controls compatible iPhone apps on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. It typically requires the automaker to support the software and often involves licensing costs, which can affect whether it’s included on a given trim or option package.","simplifiedExplanation":"CarPlay is a way to connect your iPhone to the car’s screen. It lets you use apps like maps and music through the car, and some cars charge extra to include it."}},{"startTime":572.1,"endTime":577.1,"type":"part","title":"wireless charging pads","url":"/glossary/wireless-charging-pads","quote":"...they have the great wireless charging pads right there. And everyone has Spotify and Waze running on the two cell phones...","canonicalId":"part:wireless-charging-pads","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wireless charging pads use inductive charging to power compatible phones without plugging in a cable. In EVs, these are often integrated into the center console/armrest area and can be a key part of the “phone-as-a-key/phone-integration” experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wireless charging pads let you charge your phone without plugging it in. You just place the phone on the pad and it charges."}},{"startTime":753.0,"endTime":756.8,"type":"concept","title":"long wheelbase","url":"/glossary/long-wheelbase","quote":"A long wheelbase W221S class is 205.4 inches. Yeah. Well, this is 1.2 inches longer than that.","canonicalId":"concept:long-wheelbase","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “long wheelbase” means the distance between the front and rear axles is extended. That typically improves rear-seat legroom and can change ride/handling characteristics, which is why wheelbase is used in comparisons like this.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Long wheelbase” means the car’s wheel-to-wheel distance is bigger. That usually gives passengers more legroom in the back seat."}},{"startTime":804.2,"endTime":810.0,"type":"concept","title":"grand tourer","url":"/glossary/grand-tourer","quote":"My, I mean, in the old days, it made sense from like the perspective of like a Ferrari where you wanted to use it as a grand tourer.","canonicalId":"concept:grand-tourer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “grand tourer” (GT) is a car type designed for comfortable, long-distance driving—typically prioritizing smoothness, seating comfort, and usable luggage space. The speaker is saying that in the past, deleting a spare could make more sense for certain GT-style goals.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “grand tourer” is a car meant for comfortable long trips. The speaker is saying that, historically, some compromises might have been more acceptable if the car was meant to be a relaxed highway cruiser."}},{"startTime":824.6,"endTime":829.8,"type":"concept","title":"compact spare","url":"/glossary/compact-spare","quote":"The 550 Marinella was optionally available with a spare, a compact spare. I've seen it once in a car, but I didn't realize those cars didn't have a spare.","canonicalId":"concept:compact-spare","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A compact spare (often called a “donut”) is a smaller, lighter spare tire designed to fit in tight spaces. It’s usually meant for temporary use to get you to a shop, rather than matching the performance and durability of a full-size tire.","simplifiedExplanation":"A compact spare is a smaller spare tire meant for emergencies. It’s usually only for getting you to a repair shop, not for long-distance driving."}},{"startTime":858.3,"endTime":862.1,"type":"term","title":"frunk","url":"/glossary/frunk","quote":"Plus there was a frunk full of mechanical stuff. There was a little bit of room of 20, 30 pairs of underwear minimum.","canonicalId":"term:frunk","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A frunk is a front trunk—storage space in the front of the car. On many mid-engine cars, the frunk is used to compensate for limited rear trunk space, which is why the speaker mentions it being full of mechanical stuff.","simplifiedExplanation":"A frunk is a trunk up front. On some cars with a mid-engine layout, that front space is where you store things because the regular trunk area is limited."}},{"startTime":934.2,"endTime":939.7,"type":"term","title":"automatic headlights","url":"/glossary/automatic-headlights","quote":"but frankly, the government needs to step in and mandate a couple of things. Automatic headlights at this point, if you have like, Canadian did. Right, which is to say you can't see the instruments.","canonicalId":"term:automatic-headlights","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Automatic headlights turn the lights on and off based on ambient light levels, so the driver doesn’t have to remember to switch them. The speaker’s point is that without automatic headlights, it’s easy to drive with insufficient illumination—especially affecting visibility of the instrument cluster.","simplifiedExplanation":"Automatic headlights turn your lights on by themselves when it gets dark. That helps you avoid driving with the lights off and not seeing your dashboard."}},{"startTime":1034.3,"endTime":1039.1,"type":"concept","title":"turning headlights that turned with your steering wheel","url":"/glossary/turning-headlights-that-turned-with-your-steering-wheel","quote":"That was a thing that Citroën did in the fifties, turning the headlights that turned with your steering wheel.","canonicalId":"concept:turning-headlights-that-turned-with-your-steering-wheel","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This describes steering-linked headlamps (often called “cornering lights” or “adaptive headlights”), where the headlight aim changes based on steering input. It improves visibility when turning and is a good example of tech that can look gimmicky at first but becomes mainstream later.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means your headlights can swivel to point where you’re steering. That helps you see around corners instead of only straight ahead."}},{"startTime":1073.4,"endTime":1077.8,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"So I talked to someone who worked at BMW and I found it's all the BMWs lost half of their glove box for this smell.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"BMW is mentioned in connection with an interior fragrance system that takes up glove-box space. The speaker claims BMWs “lost” a significant portion of glove-box capacity due to the dispenser hardware.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is the brand being blamed here for using space in the glove box for a scent system. The tradeoff is less storage."}},{"startTime":1220.6,"endTime":1223.3,"type":"term","title":"active suspension","url":"/glossary/active-suspension","quote":"And there have been a lot of different active suspension Mercedes, active body control, which is a hydraulic thing.","canonicalId":"term:active-suspension","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Active suspension uses sensors and actuators to adjust suspension behavior in real time. The goal is to improve both ride comfort and handling by counteracting roll, pitch, and body motion.","simplifiedExplanation":"Active suspension is a suspension system that can change its behavior while you drive. Instead of just relying on springs and shocks, it uses computers and moving parts to keep the car steadier and smoother."}},{"startTime":1365.6,"endTime":1403.1,"type":"term","title":"hardtop","url":"/glossary/hardtop","quote":"there is a measure of theft prevention that you can have by having a hardtop. ... is the act of installing and removing the hardtop is quite an undertaking.","canonicalId":"term:hardtop","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A hardtop is a rigid roof panel used on some convertibles, often removable or stowable. Compared with a soft top, it can improve theft resistance and weather protection, but it usually adds weight and complexity to remove/install.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hardtop is the rigid, solid roof on some convertibles. It can help with security and weather, but it’s typically more work to take off and put back on."}},{"startTime":1457.4,"endTime":1462.18,"type":"concept","title":"total the cars out","url":"/glossary/total-the-cars-out","quote":"they would just total the cars out if it needed a new roof. Like they were just $12,000.","canonicalId":"concept:total-the-cars-out","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Total the cars out” means declaring a vehicle a total loss after damage or a major repair estimate. In this context, the speaker claims BMW service centers would total convertibles when a new roof is required because the repair cost is too high relative to the car’s value."}},{"startTime":1485.9,"endTime":1538.4,"type":"term","title":"night vision","url":"/glossary/night-vision","quote":"[1482.8s] Other ones on things that didn't really catch on.\n[1485.9s] Night vision.\n[1487.5s] Did it not?\n[1488.4s] I don't know enough about modern cars.\n[1489.9s] There are a lot of modern luxury cars that have them.\n[1493.0s] And I've never seen anyone use them in any sort of meaningful way.\n[1497.5s] A Cadillac lyric that I had just had one, Mercedes had one.\n...\n[1526.0s] The car freaked out because in the dark was able to see\n[1530.3s] that there was a human body walking around directly in my path,\n[1533.4s] not realizing I was about to turn.\n[1535.1s] And the dash lit up with the night vision display","canonicalId":"term:night-vision","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Night vision is a driver-assistance feature that uses sensors (often infrared) to help the driver see people or obstacles in low light. The speaker argues it often isn’t used meaningfully, but then describes a scenario where the system detected a pedestrian and the dash displayed a night-vision image.","simplifiedExplanation":"Night vision is a system that helps you see better in the dark. The host says most people don’t get much benefit from it, but in one scary moment it helped spot someone in the road."}},{"startTime":1636.9,"endTime":1654.8,"type":"term","title":"cocaine mirror","url":"/glossary/cocaine-mirror","quote":"I mean, my 308 GT4 unquestionably has a cocaine mirror. It is a mirror that can never be aimed at you. It's at the underside of the glove box door, which- So it rests horizontally facing up.","canonicalId":"term:cocaine-mirror","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “cocaine mirror” is a slang term for a hidden or oddly positioned mirror intended to let someone check their appearance discreetly. In this case, it’s described as being mounted under the glove box door so it can’t be aimed at the driver.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re using a joking nickname for a hidden mirror. The idea is that it lets you look at yourself without it being obvious or easily aimed at you."}},{"startTime":1729.8,"endTime":1734.4,"type":"term","title":"Bluetooth","url":"/glossary/bluetooth","quote":"I could send the head unit to Becker and have them add Bluetooth, which I've been meaning to do.","canonicalId":"term:bluetooth","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bluetooth is a short-range wireless connection used to pair a phone with a car’s audio system. Adding Bluetooth to an older head unit typically enables hands-free calling and streaming audio without cables.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bluetooth lets your phone connect wirelessly to the car stereo. That way you can play music or make calls without plugging in."}},{"startTime":1735.7,"endTime":1739.1,"type":"term","title":"terrestrial radio","url":"/glossary/terrestrial-radio","quote":"I am very happy to listen to terrestrial radio, as it's called, until the fucking ads start.","canonicalId":"term:terrestrial-radio","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Terrestrial radio means traditional over-the-air broadcast radio received via the car’s antenna, as opposed to streaming services or satellite radio. The speaker is contrasting the ad-free experience of public radio with commercial stations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Terrestrial radio is the regular over-the-air radio signal your car picks up with its antenna. It’s different from streaming or satellite services."}},{"startTime":2039.9,"endTime":2054.3,"type":"concept","title":"backup cameras","url":"/glossary/backup-camera","quote":"...all technology that's now pass A and replaced with backup cameras, which we also thought were stupid. But then... Really?","canonicalId":"concept:backup-camera","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Backup cameras became common as rear visibility worsened in modern cars due to larger bodywork, thicker pillars, and styling that blocks sightlines. They provide a live video view behind the vehicle, often with guidelines and sometimes integrated obstacle detection.","simplifiedExplanation":"Backup cameras are cameras that show what’s behind your car when you’re reversing. They became popular because it can be hard to see behind the car in newer designs."}},{"startTime":2370.8,"endTime":2373.7,"type":"term","title":"Atronic eye","quote":"They had, in Cadillacs, you had the Atronic eye. Atronic eye, yeah.","canonicalId":"term:atronic-eye","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Atronic eye” refers to an early automatic headlight/lighting control system associated with Cadillac in the mid-20th century. The speaker uses it to illustrate that today’s “new” lighting automation has historical roots."}},{"startTime":2436.3,"endTime":2440.4,"type":"term","title":"drum brake","url":"/glossary/drum-brake","quote":"because all their cars were separate frame, live rear axle, drum brake, carbureted cars. And so they had-","canonicalId":"term:drum-brake","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Drum brakes use brake shoes that press outward against the inside of a rotating drum. They were common on older cars, but compared with disc brakes they can be less consistent under repeated heavy use due to heat management.","simplifiedExplanation":"A drum brake is an older brake design where pads push outward inside a drum to slow the car down. It was common historically, but disc brakes generally handle heat better."}},{"startTime":2438.1,"endTime":2440.4,"type":"term","title":"carbureted cars","url":"/glossary/carbureted-cars","quote":"because all their cars were separate frame, live rear axle, drum brake, carbureted cars. And so they had-","canonicalId":"term:carbureted-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Carbureted” refers to engines that use a carburetor to mix fuel and air before it enters the engine. Carburetors were widely used before modern fuel injection and can be more sensitive to tuning and temperature changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"A carburetor is an older way of mixing fuel and air for the engine. It’s not as precise as modern fuel injection, so it can need more tuning."}},{"startTime":2515.6,"endTime":2519.6,"type":"term","title":"Digital dashes","url":"/glossary/digital-dashes","quote":"Yeah, all of these things happened early. Digital dashes happened early a lot in American cars that didn't. They weren't quite ready.","canonicalId":"term:digital-dashes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Digital dashes” refers to instrument clusters that use digital displays instead of traditional analog gauges. The hosts argue that these appeared early in some American cars, but consumers weren’t ready and the execution didn’t clearly feel better than analog.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Digital dashes” are the gauge clusters that show information on screens instead of needles. The point is that early versions weren’t as satisfying or intuitive as analog for many drivers."}},{"startTime":2620.3,"endTime":2623.0,"type":"car","title":"Range Rover","url":"/cars/land-rover/range-rover","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Land_Rover_Range_Rover_%285th_generation%29_1X7A6039.jpg","quote":"[2617.1s]  And when the ride height gets higher\n[2618.3s]  and you have a full-sized tailgate\n[2620.3s]  as opposed to like a split one, like you have in a Range Rover,","canonicalId":"car:land-rover:range-rover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Range Rover is referenced as an example of a vehicle with a split tailgate design (as opposed to a full-sized tailgate). Split designs can change how people reach and operate the cargo opening, especially with higher SUV ride heights.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Range Rover is being used as an example of a SUV with a different style of rear door. Because it’s split, it can affect how easy it is to reach and use the hatch when the vehicle sits higher.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2631.6,"endTime":2648.8,"type":"concept","title":"turbocharged","url":"/glossary/turbocharged","quote":"[2636.3s]  Turbos are an interesting thing\n[2637.4s]  because they started out as a performance thing\n[2640.1s]  where everything, we've talked about this,\n[2642.3s]  everything in the 1980s that was turbocharged was hot as shit.\n[2645.2s]  And now everything that doesn't have a turbo is hot as shit.","canonicalId":"concept:turbocharged","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Turbocharged” describes engines that use a turbocharger to increase the amount of air entering the cylinders. The speaker is contrasting earlier eras—when turbo cars were often performance-focused—with today, when many mainstream engines are turbocharged for efficiency and emissions reasons.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Turbocharged” means the engine has a turbo to help it make power. The host is saying turbos used to be mostly for performance cars, but now they’re common even on regular cars."}},{"startTime":2945.5,"endTime":2949.7,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes S-Class","url":"/glossary/mercedes-s-class","quote":"I think that the amount of things that are on this list\nthat originated in a Mercedes S-Class\nis like hilariously large percentages of stuff.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes-s-class","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the brand’s flagship sedan and has historically been a technology showcase, often introducing advanced driver-assistance and safety features early. The discussion suggests many later “required” features originated there.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mercedes S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s top-of-the-line car. It’s often where new safety and tech features show up first before they spread to cheaper models."}},{"startTime":3062.0,"endTime":3064.92,"type":"concept","title":"displacement on demand","url":"/glossary/displacement-on-demand","quote":"I have to go to the dentist though. I mean, we have things that would be displacement on demand.","canonicalId":"concept:displacement-on-demand","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Displacement on demand (DoD) is an engine technology that temporarily shuts down some cylinders to reduce fuel consumption under light load. When more power is needed, the engine reactivates the cylinders to return to full displacement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Displacement on demand lets the engine use fewer cylinders when you don’t need much power. When you accelerate, it turns the extra cylinders back on."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Hagerty Media","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/great-car-features-that-failed-and-vice-versa-the-carmudgeon-show-w-cammisa-dts-ep-231/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}