Great cars with rubbish engines (and vice versa) #274
About this episode
Exploring the intriguing relationship between cars and their engines, this episode delves into vehicles that either boast exceptional engines paired with lackluster builds or vice versa. Hosts Dan Proser and Andrew Frankel discuss various examples, including the Porsche Boxster's flat-six and the BMW M5's V10, highlighting how certain engines are misapplied in their respective cars. The conversation is lively and filled with insights, making it a fascinating listen for anyone interested in automotive engineering and design.
Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel discuss the great cars that were let down by their crap engines, and the brilliant engines that somehow found their way into terrible cars. Examples include the wonderful Alfa Romeo Busso V6 that was never used in a truly great car (except maybe once), the front-wheel drive, V8-powered Lancia Thema 8.32, and every diesel convertible ever built.
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Porsche Boxster
"you've got a four cylinder Boxster? Yes, I have."
The Porsche Boxster is a small sports car that has the engine located in the middle, which helps it handle well on the road. Some versions have a four-cylinder engine, which is less powerful than the six-cylinder versions.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster known for its sporty handling and performance. It features a flat-six engine layout, although earlier models had a four-cylinder engine option.
Alpine A110
"...Because Alpine A110, as we all know, it's a fantastic little sports car."
The Alpine A110 is a small sports car that is fun to drive and known for being very light and nimble. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its performance and style.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and performance. It has a rich motorsport heritage and is celebrated for its design and driving experience.
four-cylinder
"And the engine, 1.8 turbocharged four cylinder is fine. Oh. It is fine, isn't it?"
A four-cylinder engine has four small chambers that help create power for the car. It's usually more fuel-efficient than larger engines but can be less powerful.
A four-cylinder engine has four cylinders where fuel and air mix and ignite to create power. This configuration is common in smaller cars and is known for being fuel-efficient while still providing adequate performance.
turbocharged
"And the engine, 1.8 turbocharged four cylinder is fine. Oh. It is fine, isn't it?"
A turbocharged engine has a special device that helps it produce more power by pushing extra air into the engine. This makes the car faster without needing a bigger engine.
Turbocharged refers to an engine that uses a turbocharger to increase its power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in greater performance without significantly increasing engine size.
flat-six
"So there's a lovely little 2.7-litre flat-six, naturally aspirated, that was available in earlier versions..."
A flat-six engine has six cylinders that are laid out flat instead of standing up. This helps the car handle better because it makes the car's weight lower.
A flat-six engine is a type of engine configuration where six cylinders are arranged horizontally in two banks of three. This design helps lower the center of gravity, improving handling and stability.
Porsche Cayman
"...of the Boxster and Cayman, the 981 versions."
The Porsche Cayman is a version of the Boxster that has a hard top instead of a convertible roof. It was also made from 2012 to 2016.
The Porsche Cayman (981) is a coupe variant of the Boxster, produced alongside it from 2012 to 2016. It shares similar performance characteristics and design elements.
specific output
"Quite high specific output, exactly the kind of engine that you want in a lightweight car."
Specific output is how much power an engine makes for each liter of its size. If an engine has a high specific output, it means it can produce a lot of power without being very big, which is good for fast cars.
Specific output refers to the amount of power produced per liter of engine displacement, which is an important metric for evaluating engine performance. A higher specific output indicates a more powerful engine relative to its size, often desirable in performance vehicles.
flat-four engine
"I'm going to do the flat four Porsche engine, the turbo engine. I mean, it's not a great engine."
A flat-four engine is a type of engine where the cylinders are laid out flat, which helps with balance and handling in cars.
A flat-four engine, also known as a boxer engine, has four cylinders arranged horizontally in two opposing pairs. This design lowers the center of gravity and can improve handling in vehicles.
turbo engine
"I'm going to do the flat four Porsche engine, the turbo engine. I mean, it's not a great engine."
A turbo engine has a special part called a turbocharger that helps it produce more power by pushing more air into the engine.
A turbo engine uses a turbocharger to increase the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for better performance without significantly increasing engine size.
naturally aspirated engines
"...it does have some attributes you don't get in the naturally aspirated engines. It's got low down torque."
A naturally aspirated engine gets air into it just by using the pressure from the atmosphere, without any extra help from devices like turbochargers. This can make the engine feel different when you drive it.
Naturally aspirated engines rely on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, without the use of a turbocharger or supercharger. This typically results in a more linear power delivery and a different driving experience compared to forced induction engines.
low down torque
"...It's got low down torque. Yeah."
Low down torque means the engine can give you a lot of power when it's running slowly. This helps the car start moving quickly and makes it easier to drive in regular situations.
Low down torque refers to the engine's ability to produce a significant amount of torque at low RPMs, which is beneficial for acceleration from a standstill and overall drivability in everyday conditions.
gear ratios
"...the gear ratios in those cars are really, really tall. And when you've got that low down torque..."
Gear ratios are like the settings on a bike that help you pedal easier or harder. Taller gear ratios mean the engine has to work harder to make the wheels turn, which can change how fast the car speeds up.
Gear ratios determine how power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels. Taller gear ratios mean the engine has to turn more times to turn the wheels once, which can affect acceleration and fuel efficiency.
chassis
"...is that it exploits the chassis, gives the chassis something to do..."
The chassis is like the skeleton of a car. It holds everything together and helps the car stay stable while driving.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle that supports the body and components. It plays a critical role in handling, stability, and overall performance of the car.
GTS
"...but can you now only buy a GTS, which has the 4-liter? I can't remember."
GTS is a special version of a car that is designed to be sportier and faster than the regular version. It usually has better performance and features.
GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport, a performance-oriented trim level offered by Porsche. It typically features enhancements in power, handling, and additional sporty features compared to standard models.
4-liter
"...which has the 4-liter? I can't remember."
A 4-liter engine means the engine's size is 4 liters. Bigger engines usually have more power, which helps the car go faster.
The term '4-liter' refers to the engine displacement of the vehicle, indicating that the engine has a total volume of 4 liters. This measurement is important for understanding the engine's power and performance capabilities.
S85 V10 engine
"BMW S85, the 5-liter V10 that went into the M5 and M6, right?"
The S85 V10 engine is a powerful engine made by BMW that has ten cylinders. It's designed to give the car a lot of speed and performance.
The S85 is a 5-liter V10 engine developed by BMW, known for its high-revving nature and performance capabilities. It was used in the M5 and M6 models, providing exceptional power and responsiveness.
Audi S6
"I've actually got an Audi S6 with a 5-point-liter V10 engine in it."
The Audi S6 is a faster and sportier version of the regular Audi A6. It has a strong engine that makes it quick and fun to drive.
The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. The mention of a 5-liter V10 engine indicates a focus on performance.
RPM
"So the BMW engine, it revs to 8,250 RPM. Sounds good, 500 horsepower. But it only ever went into two tonne cars."
RPM means how many times the engine spins in a minute. A higher number usually means the engine can produce more power and sounds exciting.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation every minute. Higher RPMs typically indicate a more powerful engine performance, especially in high-revving engines.
horsepower
"Sounds good, 500 horsepower. But it only ever went into two tonne cars."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, often used to describe the power output of engines. More horsepower generally means better performance and acceleration.
high-revving engines
"And we love high-revving engines. They're great. They're really characterful."
High-revving engines can spin really fast, which helps them produce a lot of power. They're often found in sports cars and make driving more exciting.
High-revving engines are designed to operate efficiently at high RPMs, often producing more power and a thrilling driving experience. They are typically found in sports cars and performance vehicles.
BMW M3
"the smaller version from the E90 and E92 M3, they had these two engines."
The BMW E90 M3 is a fast and sporty version of the regular 3 Series, made to be more powerful and fun to drive.
The BMW E90 M3 is a variant of the M3 that was produced from 2007 to 2013, known for its high-performance capabilities and sporty design.
V8
"...at least Audi put its V10 and its V8 into a proper sports car, the R8,..."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, which gives it a lot of power and a unique sound. It's popular in many types of cars, especially performance ones.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine with cylinders arranged in a V shape, known for its strong performance and distinctive sound. It is commonly used in a variety of vehicles, from muscle cars to luxury sedans.
hot hatchback
"...In fact, I had this engine in a hot hatchback and really, really liked it."
A hot hatchback is a small car with a hatchback design that is built for speed and fun driving. They usually have stronger engines and better handling than regular hatchbacks.
A hot hatchback is a high-performance version of a hatchback car, typically featuring a more powerful engine, sportier suspension, and enhanced handling characteristics compared to standard hatchbacks.
Ford Mustang
"...So I'm going four cylinder Mustang. Oh, yeah. 2.3 liter. Yeah, so it's actually a cracking engine that in the right car."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has been produced in various generations since its introduction in 1964, with multiple engine options available.
Mclaren Speedtail
"so perhaps you'll agree. McLaren Speedtail. That's punchy."
V12
"A lovely V12, a smooth, silky V12. Naturally aspirated."
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders that help it run smoothly and produce a lot of power. It's often found in fancy and fast cars.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. This design allows for smooth operation and high power output, making it popular in high-performance and luxury vehicles.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"...sn't have to be NA. I mean, the 12 in the current vanquish, that would do."
4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
"Yeah, but the point being that V8, that 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is-"
This is a type of engine that has eight cylinders and is 4.0 liters in size. It uses two turbochargers to make the car go faster and use fuel more efficiently.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is an engine configuration that features eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, with a displacement of 4.0 liters, and utilizes twin turbochargers to enhance performance by increasing power output and efficiency.
Cadillac V16
"...as received, which they put a naturally aspirated V16 hybrid into, and the world is clamoring for it,"
Lancia Thema
"Yeah. So this was a Lancia Tamer or Thema, depending on how you pronounce it."
Alfa Romeo 164
"...amily of cars, which also included the Alfa Romeo 164, the Saab 9000 and the Fiat Cromer."
Chevrolet Corvette
"... It was just like, it sounded like a Le Mans spec Corvette and it was in a front wheel drive Cadillac Saloon..."
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
"...ut think about what these sporting cars were. The 156 GTA, the 147 GTA, the Alpha GT, Alpha GT-V and Spyder..."
Alfa Romeo GTV
"The 156 GTA, the 147 GTA, the Alpha GT, Alpha GT-V and Spyder. They're not great sports cars."
Jaguar XJ220
"Right, keep going. Okay, Jaguar XJ220. Ah, a fine example."
Mclaren F1
"...ey were the fastest thing you could get until the McLaren F1 came along. And if you look at what you pay for o..."
Ferrari F50
"...else remotely similar at the time, like a Ferrari F50, I mean, they are, you know, they have never ever..."
Delorean DMC-12
"Let alone be a good car. DeLorean. What a story."
Renault Alpine A610
"...sions. I mean, so they did a version of it in the Alpine A610 which was turbocharged and they did a GTA, didn't..."
Audi Quattro
"...the 20 valve engine that came straight out of the Quattro. Yeah, okay."
Porsche 911
"...nk he had one because what he really wanted was a 911, but didn't feel he could afford a 911."
Porsche 924
"...ell, okay, I'm absolutely fine with that. Porsche 924. Yeah, yes."
Porsche 944
"...t the 924 became a Porsche. That then gave us the 944 and the 968. Yeah. Those might never have happene..."
Porsche Carrera GT
"So, you know, the 924 turbo, the Carrera GT and the GTS, you know, they went racing at Le Man..."
Honda Civic CRX
"...test I ever did was a Porsche 924S versus a Honda Civic CRX. And the 924S had the Porsche engine in it."
Porsche 968S
"...e that would go on to power all the 944s, all the 968s. But it was first actually put under the bonnet"
Volkswagen Golf
"please the person who turned up at the golf club on the Volkswagen. And, but they offered it ..."
Citroen Ds
"but you'll know what I'm talking about. Citroen DS. Yeah."
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...hat. Ripping the heart out of a 911 or a Mercedes SL or something, but there are some cars that are ri..."
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