About this episode
Porsche's recent admission of misjudging the Chinese market reveals a significant shift in consumer identity and demand. The hosts discuss the implications of this miscalculation, linking it to broader economic principles and driving behaviors. They also touch on the evolution of automotive expectations, the return of buttons in car interiors, and the potential revival of iconic models like the Mitsubishi Montero and Subaru STI. The episode blends humor with insightful commentary on the automotive industry's future, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
We're discussing Porsche’s latest global market updates and why some legacy brands are seeing shifts in customer loyalty. We explore the rising costs of modern cars, the engineering challenges of new product lineups, and the psychology behind how we drive today. Plus, our automotive industry outlook for the rest of the year and a look at where car culture is headed.
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lane assistance
"...the lane for them. Have you, your new truck must have like lane assistance. Have you used it?"
Lane assistance is a technology in some cars that helps keep the car from drifting out of its lane. It can gently steer the car back into the lane if it starts to move out without a turn signal.
Lane assistance is a driver assistance feature that helps keep the vehicle within its lane by providing steering inputs or warnings. It uses cameras and sensors to monitor lane markings and can intervene if the driver begins to drift without signaling.
traction
"Yes. Traction is very important. Chris, did you wake up to like literally a sheet of ice on everything?"
Traction is how well your car's tires stick to the road. Good traction helps you drive safely, especially when the road is slippery.
Traction refers to the grip that a vehicle's tires have on the road surface. It's crucial for maintaining control, especially in adverse conditions like ice or rain.
winter tires
"So we have dedicated winter tires. You need them too. The Nokia and Haka Polita is the best industry standard."
Winter tires are special tires made for driving in cold weather, snow, and ice. They help cars grip the road better when it's slippery, making it safer to drive in winter conditions.
Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, particularly on snow and ice. They feature a unique tread pattern and rubber compounds that remain flexible in low temperatures, enhancing grip.
Nokian Tyres
"The Nokia and Haka Polita is the best industry standard."
Nokian Tyres is a company that makes tires, especially good ones for winter driving. They are known for making tires that work well in snow and ice.
Nokian Tyres is a Finnish company known for producing high-quality tires, particularly winter tires. They are recognized for their innovative designs and performance in harsh winter conditions.
Nokian Tires
"The Nokia Surpass AS01 also offers you all of that all weather performance with a performance actual tire."
Nokian Tires makes tires that are especially good for driving in snow and ice. They are known for keeping cars safe and providing good grip on slippery roads.
Nokian Tires is a Finnish tire manufacturer known for its high-performance winter tires. They focus on producing tires that provide excellent traction and safety in winter conditions.
Volkswagen Group
"And this doesn't stop at Porsche. The damage rolls directly uphill to Volkswagen Group."
Volkswagen Group is a big company in Germany that makes many different car brands, including Volkswagen and Porsche.
Volkswagen Group is a major German automotive company that owns several well-known brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini. It is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
Maybach
"It honestly looks like a Maibach or something. Right?"
Maybach is a very expensive car brand that makes luxury vehicles. They are known for being very comfortable and having the latest technology.
Maybach is a luxury automobile brand known for its high-end vehicles that offer exceptional comfort and advanced technology. It is often associated with ultra-luxury and exclusivity in the automotive market.
$140,000
"It's $140,000, dude."
$140,000 is a lot of money for a car, and it means this car is very fancy and has a lot of special features.
The mention of $140,000 refers to the price of the car being discussed, which indicates it is a high-end luxury vehicle. Prices in this range are typical for premium brands and models that offer advanced features and technology.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"It's $140,000. You get into a $160,000 S-Class now. The lower kick panels are plastic."
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy car that is designed to be super comfortable and packed with the latest technology. It's like the top-of-the-line model for people who want a luxurious driving experience.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, opulent interior, and smooth performance. It often represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and luxury, making it a frequent topic of discussion among car enthusiasts and industry experts.
provenance
"...a platform built by real car people allowing you to digitize everything, maintenance records, builds, provenance photos, history. And it's all organized, all searchable, all in one place."
Provenance is like a car's biography. It tells you where the car has been, who owned it, and what work has been done on it, which can be important for collectors and buyers.
Provenance refers to the history of ownership and documentation of a vehicle, which can include maintenance records, modifications, and any significant events in its life. This information helps establish the car's value and authenticity.
W124
"...Next week I'll bring the W124 records."
The W124 is a model of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a series of cars known for being reliable and well-built. Many people appreciate them for their classic design and solid performance.
The W124 is the internal designation for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produced from 1984 to 1997. It is known for its durability, engineering quality, and is often sought after by enthusiasts for restoration and daily driving.
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
"...Is this cool for you? 6.2 liter V8, E63 AMG wagon. It's only $29,000 right now."
The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is a fast and luxurious car that has a big 6.2-liter V8 engine. It's a wagon, which means it has more space for passengers and cargo, making it a cool option for those who want speed and practicality.
The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is a high-performance version of the E-Class, featuring a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine. It's known for its luxury, performance, and practicality as a wagon, making it a unique choice among sports cars.
6.2 liter V8
"...6.2 liter V8, E63 AMG wagon. It's only $29,000 right now."
A 6.2-liter V8 engine is a powerful type of engine that has eight cylinders. It's known for being strong and fast, which is why it's often used in sports cars and performance vehicles.
A 6.2-liter V8 engine refers to an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration and a displacement of 6.2 liters. This type of engine is known for producing high horsepower and torque, making it suitable for performance vehicles.
BMW E63
"Is this cool for you? 6.2 liter V8, E63 AMG wagon. It's only $29,000 right now."
The BMW 6 Series is a fancy car that is built for long drives and comfort. It looks great and has a powerful engine, making it fun to drive.
The BMW 6 Series is a luxury grand tourer known for its elegant design, powerful engines, and high-quality interior. It combines performance with comfort, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a sporty yet luxurious driving experience.
Kia Soul
"This is memory. This was the soul of the brand finally coming home. Seven years is..."
The Kia Soul is a small, boxy car that has a lot of space inside. It's popular because it's fun to drive and easy to park.
The Kia Soul is a compact crossover known for its boxy design and spacious interior. It has gained popularity for its unique style, practicality, and value, making it a favorite among urban drivers.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...'s what finally showed up. The electric bus, the ID buzz, a resurrection, decades in the making, landing ..."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses but is made with new technology. It's designed to be eco-friendly and fun to drive.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It represents Volkswagen's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.
Volkswagen Beetle
"It should have been like the bug. The bug saved Volkswagen."
The Volkswagen Beetle, often called the 'bug', is a famous small car known for its unique shape and history. It was very popular and helped Volkswagen become a well-known car company.
The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the 'bug', is an iconic compact car that played a significant role in the history of the Volkswagen brand and automotive design.
EV
"We know the future's EV."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it uses batteries to power the motor instead of an engine that burns fuel.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional fuel sources like gasoline or diesel.
Volkswagen ID.3
"It has to be electric. OK, great. It has to be on a brand new chassis. Dude, an ID.3 costs $30,000."
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a new electric car that doesn't use gasoline. It's designed for efficiency and has a unique look compared to traditional cars.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an all-electric hatchback that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It features a modern design and is built on the MEB platform, which is specifically designed for electric cars.
Pontiac Aztek
"It's more Pontiac Aztec than cultural reset. I'm disappointed."
The Pontiac Aztek is a unique-looking SUV that was made in the early 2000s. Many people remember it for its strange design, and it didn't do very well in sales.
The Pontiac Aztek is a compact SUV produced by Pontiac from 2001 to 2005. It is often noted for its unconventional design and has become a symbol of automotive design failures.
Honda Civic
"... or not like serious but like German yeah then a civic or something but price wise they kind of compete..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that is known for being dependable and saving gas. It's a great option for people who want a reliable vehicle without spending too much money.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has gained a reputation for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It appeals to a wide range of drivers, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced car owners.
Toyota Camry
"...I just drove a rental Camry okay like which is base base base base yeah it's really shitty like it's very very plastic..."
The Toyota Camry is a well-known car that many people drive. It's often chosen for its dependability and comfort, making it a popular choice for families.
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability and comfort. It is often considered a benchmark in the economy car segment, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Mitsubishi Evo
"...this is rally cars the Evo answer Evo what brand is this Jake the car that's this is Mitsubishi of course..."
The Mitsubishi Evo is a fast car that was designed for racing and rally competitions. It's known for its powerful engine and ability to handle tough driving conditions, making it popular among car lovers.
The Mitsubishi Evo, short for Evolution, is a high-performance variant of the Mitsubishi Lancer. Known for its rally heritage, the Evo features advanced all-wheel-drive systems and turbocharged engines, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and motorsport fans.
Mitsubishi
"...this is Mitsubishi of course she be she the company that I thought was pretty much making mini splits and like pianos and stuff..."
Mitsubishi is a company from Japan that makes cars and other products. They are known for their sporty cars and have a history in racing, especially rally racing.
Mitsubishi is a Japanese multinational company known for producing a wide range of products, including automobiles, electronics, and heavy machinery. In the automotive sector, Mitsubishi is recognized for its innovative engineering and performance-oriented vehicles, particularly in the rally racing scene.
Mitsubishi Pajero
"the Montero wasn't just another SUV in its time globally known as the Pajero yeah yeah I mean do this thing could be totally lame but I'm just I'm just excited"
The Pajero is the name used for the same SUV as the Montero in many countries. It's known for being tough and good for off-road driving.
The Mitsubishi Pajero is the international name for the Montero, a vehicle recognized for its durability and success in off-road competitions like the Dakar Rally.
Dakar Rally
"the Pajero had 12 wins overall at Dakar that's"
The Dakar Rally is a tough race that happens every year, where vehicles drive over rough ground. The Pajero has won this race many times.
The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road endurance event that takes place in various locations, known for its challenging terrain and long distances. The Mitsubishi Pajero has a notable history of success in this rally.
Subaru WRX
"...d whatever else you want to not gonna say it the WRX still exists but I don't want to get demonetized ..."
The Subaru WRX is a sporty car that can handle tough roads and bad weather really well. It's popular with people who like to drive fast and enjoy a fun driving experience.
The Subaru WRX is a performance-oriented compact car that is well-known for its all-wheel-drive system and rally-inspired design. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts due to its sporty handling and turbocharged engine.
Evo
"...what was the STI in the Evo what do you call that because they're hashbacks..."
Evo is a nickname for a fast car made by Mitsubishi, known for racing and having a powerful engine.
Evo refers to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a high-performance sports sedan known for its rally heritage and turbocharged engine.
STI
"...what was the STI in the Evo what do you call that because they're hashbacks..."
STI is a special performance version of Subaru cars, designed to be faster and more powerful than regular models.
STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, which is Subaru's performance division that develops high-performance versions of their cars, such as the WRX STI.
rally stage
"...I want to see Subaru and Mitsubishi going head to head on a rally stage right that's what I want..."
A rally stage is part of a racing event where cars race on special roads, usually in the countryside, against the clock.
A rally stage is a specific section of a rally event where drivers compete against the clock on closed roads, often featuring various terrains and conditions.
Subaru 2.5 RS
"...I would love a 2.5 you remember when 2.5 RS's were like three dollars and thirty cents dirt cheap so because they were oh they're not turbo..."
The Subaru 2.5 RS is a sporty version of a Subaru car that was known for being fun to drive and affordable. It has a strong connection to rally racing, which makes it special for car fans.
The Subaru 2.5 RS is a sporty variant of the Subaru Impreza, known for its all-wheel drive and performance-oriented features. It was popular among enthusiasts for its rally heritage and affordability.
CarPlay
"...what is the last oh car plays man it's about carplay..."
CarPlay is a feature that lets you connect your iPhone to your car, so you can use apps and listen to music on the car's screen.
CarPlay is Apple's interface that allows users to connect their iPhone to their car's infotainment system, providing access to apps, navigation, and music through the car's display.
HVAC
"...when I go hey Siri guess what happens all the HVAC stops like the fan the defrost everything pauses..."
HVAC is what keeps your car comfortable by controlling the heat and air conditioning. It helps to keep the inside of your car warm in winter and cool in summer.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It's a system in vehicles that controls the interior climate, including temperature and air quality.
defrost
"...the fan the defrost everything pauses so it can hear me better..."
Defrost is what you do to clear ice or fog from your car's windows. It uses warm air to make your view clear again.
Defrost refers to the process of removing ice or condensation from the vehicle's windows, typically using the HVAC system to direct warm air onto the glass.
Volkswagen Bus
"...he average as you're complaining about a $60,000 Volkswagen bus not bus buzz the average price of a new vehicle i..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a classic van that is very popular for road trips and family outings. It has a lot of space inside and a cool, retro look.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the Type 2, is a classic vehicle that became an icon of the 1960s counterculture. Its spacious interior and unique design have made it a beloved choice for families and road-trippers alike.
Ford Mustang
"...revisit it which is these classic models like the Mustang has been around forever the 911 has been around ..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American sports car that is known for being fast and stylish. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many car fans.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since the 1960s. It is celebrated for its powerful engines, distinctive styling, and cultural significance in automotive history.
Porsche 911
"...els like the Mustang has been around forever the 911 has been around forever what is the price with in..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that looks unique and drives really well. It's loved by car enthusiasts for its speed and handling.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s, known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It is often regarded as one of the best sports cars in the world, combining luxury with thrilling driving dynamics.
Renault Clio V6
"...g out so the coolest car in 2026 is the 2001 reno clio v6 because now you can import them 25 year gray mar..."
The Renault Clio V6 is a special version of a small car that is designed to be really fast and fun to drive. It's not very common, which makes it special for car fans.
The Renault Clio V6 is a limited-production hot hatch that features a mid-engine layout, making it unique among its peers. It is celebrated for its performance and rarity, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.
Ford Maverick
"...n the thing we saw it a little bit with the ford maverick but that's not basic enough i think it's going to..."
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that is easy to drive and good for city living. It's affordable and can be used for both work and everyday tasks.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was reintroduced to the market in 2021, designed for urban drivers seeking versatility and efficiency. It stands out for its affordable price and hybrid powertrain option, appealing to a new generation of truck buyers.
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