Is this thing on? Live from inside an Alpine
About this episode
A unique road trip podcast episode features hosts Pry and Stephen Crockley recording live from an Alpine A290 while discussing their visit to M Sport HQ. They chat about Malcolm Wilson's impressive career in rallying, the evolution of cars, and the growing trend of keeping older vehicles on the road. The conversation also touches on electric vehicles, the challenges of modern traffic, and their personal experiences with various cars, including a nostalgic look at the Peugeot 309 GTI. The episode blends humor with insightful automotive discussions, making it a delightful listen for car enthusiasts.
The latest episode of My Week In Cars finds Steve Cropley driving an Alpine A290 and Matt Prior beside him, so the duo talk their respective Autocar columns while they're there. They talk sprint or hillclimb cars, cars getting old, books, hot hatches and much more besides, including your correspondence.
You can make sure you never miss an Autocar podcast by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. And if you'd be wiling to rate and review the Pod, we'd appreciate it more than you know, too.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
M Sport
"...this enormous M Sport operation. This place is for 130 acres, he says. Yeah, it's got a test track."
M Sport is a company in the UK that makes cars for racing and rallying. They work with Ford and are well-known in the motorsport world.
M Sport is a British motorsport company known for developing and building race and rally cars, particularly for the Ford brand. They have a significant presence in the motorsport community, including involvement in the World Rally Championship.
Alpine A290
"...s. It's about five hours, but we're in our LP in A290, so we need to charge up a bit. Yeah, so anyway,..."
The A290 is a new electric sports car that is made to be exciting to drive while being good for the environment. It's part of a trend where cars are becoming more eco-friendly.
The Alpine A290 is a modern electric sports car designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience while being environmentally friendly. It represents the brand's commitment to performance and innovation in the electric vehicle segment.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...we pull out, there's... I think that's Malcolm's Range Rover, would be my guess. Yeah, didn't he say he'd had..."
The Range Rover is a fancy, big car that can drive on rough roads and is very comfortable inside. People like it because it looks nice and can handle tough terrains while still feeling luxurious.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. It has been a symbol of prestige and adventure since its introduction in 1970, making it a popular choice among those who seek both comfort and ruggedness.
Ford GT
"So there's a big showroom here that's got four GTs in it, of course. And some Escorts and his old rally cars."
The Ford GT is a fast sports car made by Ford. It's famous for its cool looks and speed, often used in racing.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car known for its sleek design and powerful engine, often associated with racing and performance culture.
Ford Escort
"And some Escorts and his old rally cars. Yeah, there's all kinds of goodies, isn't there?"
The Ford Escort is a small car that has been used in many races. It's known for being fun to drive and good for rallying.
The Ford Escort is a compact car that has been popular in various forms, including as a rally car, known for its agility and performance in motorsports.
Bentley GT3
"...and then some Bentley GT3 rally cars. I think it's, in effect, it's his museum..."
The Bentley GT3 is a special version of the Bentley car made for racing. It's built to be very fast and handle well on the track.
The Bentley GT3 is a racing variant of the Bentley Continental GT, designed for high-performance racing with a focus on aerodynamics and handling.
Skoda Superb
"...a diesel Skoda Superb for motorway cruising"
The Skoda Superb is a roomy car that's great for families. It has a lot of space inside, making it comfortable for long trips.
The Skoda Superb is a large family car known for its spacious interior and comfort, making it suitable for long journeys. It is often praised for its value for money and practicality.
Audi A2
"and our Audi A2 1.4 petrol for all the local city stuff. The A2 has been the perfect nimble economical runabout"
The Audi A2 is a small car designed for city driving. The 1.4-liter engine is good on fuel, making it a practical choice for short trips and parking in tight spaces.
The Audi A2 is a compact MPV known for its lightweight aluminum construction and efficient use of space. The 1.4-liter petrol variant is particularly noted for its fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability.
Lamborghini Coontash
"...e did it because the cannonball run, they used a Lamborghini Coontash in that, in the film."
The Countach is a famous supercar from Lamborghini that looks really cool with its unique shape and is super fast. It's a car that many people dream of owning because of its impressive style and speed.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar that became an icon of automotive design and performance in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for its sharp angles and powerful V12 engine, it represents the pinnacle of exotic car engineering.
BMW M6
"... right, I think we're on the right road. It said M6, doesn't it? It did say M6,"
The M6 is a fast and fancy car made by BMW that combines luxury with a lot of power. It's built for people who love driving quickly and enjoy a high-end experience.
The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6 Series, offering powerful engines and sporty handling. It is designed for enthusiasts who seek a blend of luxury and speed, making it a standout in the luxury sports car segment.
Renault 5
"I did a sprint the other day in the Renault 5, the electric Renault 5, which was good."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It was known for being easy to drive and practical.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by Renault from 1972 to 1985. It was known for its compact size and versatility, making it popular in various markets.
Peugeot 309 GTI
"which was a 309 GTI that Colin Goodwin initially bought"
The Peugeot 309 GTI is a sporty version of a small car made by Peugeot. It was designed to be fun to drive and was popular among car enthusiasts.
The Peugeot 309 GTI is a hot hatch version of the Peugeot 309, known for its sporty performance and handling. It was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Volkswagen GTI
"and I found that anything with a GTI, anything in reasonable order is 10 grand."
The Volkswagen GTI is a sportier version of the regular Golf, designed to be more fun to drive with a more powerful engine and better handling.
The Volkswagen GTI is a performance-oriented version of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Peugeot 205
"You can buy 205s that are projects that people have lost interest in and things like that for a few quid. See, that surprised me a bit because you mentioned 205s last week and I thought, well, because they've got that reputation of being such a, you know, the king of all the hot hatches."
The Peugeot 205 is a compact car known for its sporty versions, especially the GTI, which is popular among car enthusiasts.
The Peugeot 205 is a small car that gained fame in the 1980s, particularly for its performance variants like the GTI, which are considered iconic hot hatches.
Mini Cooper S
"...because she still likes the Mini Cooper S. Oh, interesting. Well, whether we would make the change..."
The Mini Cooper S is a faster version of the Mini Cooper, which is a small car known for its unique design and great handling. It's often chosen by people who enjoy driving.
The Mini Cooper S is a sportier variant of the classic Mini Cooper, known for its enhanced performance and distinctive styling. It's popular among enthusiasts for its fun driving dynamics and compact size.
supercharged
"they were fast, supercharged and turbocharged versions."
Supercharging is a way to make an engine more powerful by forcing more air into it. This helps the engine burn more fuel and produce more power, making the car faster.
Supercharging is a method of forced induction that increases an engine's power output by compressing the intake air, allowing more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber. This results in improved performance and acceleration.
turbocharged
"they were fast, supercharged and turbocharged versions."
Turbocharging is a method to boost an engine's power by using exhaust gases to spin a turbine that forces more air into the engine. This helps the engine produce more power without needing a bigger size.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine driven by exhaust gases to compress the intake air, increasing the engine's power output. This allows for better performance without significantly increasing engine size.
Morgan Six Plus
"Might not have been nine, but it was certainly six plus. That is, have you ever worked out the number of..."
The Plus Six is a stylish sports car made by Morgan that looks old-fashioned but has modern features. It's loved by people who enjoy driving and appreciate handmade quality.
The Morgan Plus Six is a classic British sports car that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern performance. Known for its distinctive design and lightweight construction, it appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate both heritage and driving dynamics.
Mini Coopers
"Oh, it's not a thing. But the early, if the early Mini Cooper's, and I think that's, that's the story I was told."
The Mini Cooper is a small, cute car that is really fun to drive and easy to park. It's popular because it has a unique look and is great for city driving.
The Mini Cooper is a compact car that has become an icon since its debut in the 1960s, known for its distinctive design and spirited driving experience. It combines a small size with a fun personality, making it a favorite among urban drivers.
Rally Prep
"there's an excellent bloke called Neil Yates, who runs a business called Rally Prep."
Rally Prep is a company that helps get cars ready for rally racing, making them faster and safer for the sport.
Rally Prep is a business that specializes in preparing vehicles for rally racing, focusing on modifications and enhancements to improve performance and safety.
LEVC range extender
"...I got into one of them and it was a lovely L.E.V.C. range extender, one year old, quiet, smooth, roomy..."
The LEVC range extender is an electric taxi that can also use petrol to extend its driving range. It's designed to be quiet and comfortable for passengers in the city.
The LEVC range extender is a type of electric taxi designed for urban environments, offering both electric and petrol power options. It features a spacious interior and is known for its quiet operation, making it suitable for city driving.
photovoltaic cells
"...including putting, you know, photovoltaic cells on the roof of his house to, to generate his own power..."
Photovoltaic cells are devices that turn sunlight into electricity. They are used in solar panels to help power homes and electric cars.
Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are often used in solar panels to generate renewable energy for homes and electric vehicles.
London cabs
"Anyway, it was, but London cabs, I suppose the bottom line is London cabs have improved so much"
London cabs are the taxis you see in London, often black and very recognizable. They have become better over time in terms of safety and comfort, thanks to new rules and technology.
London cabs, also known as black cabs, are iconic taxis in London that have undergone significant improvements in safety, comfort, and emissions standards over the years. They are known for their distinctive design and are required to meet strict regulations set by the London carriage office.
Formula One
"...the first Formula One race, the 1950 Silverstone Grand Prix. And I think I can't remember the precise details, but there's something like four Alfa Romeo's on the front row."
Formula One is a top-level car racing series where drivers compete in fast cars on different tracks. It's famous for its exciting races and cutting-edge technology.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its high-speed competition and advanced technology.
Anderson
"...because I need to tell you that Anderson is a top quality manufacturer of home EV chargers, very high quality home EV chargers."
Anderson makes chargers for electric cars that you can use at home. Their chargers are considered to be very good and dependable.
Anderson is a company that specializes in manufacturing home electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Their products are known for high quality and reliability, making them a popular choice for EV owners looking to charge their vehicles at home.
ADAS
"...about ADAS, because if you say ADAS system, oh, the answer is positive."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are special technologies in cars that help drivers stay safe and make driving easier, like helping you stay in your lane or stopping the car if something is in the way.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
hot hatch EV
"...but it kind of felt to me like the first proper hot hatch EV. Yeah, full of the size, isn't it?"
A hot hatch EV is a small electric car that is designed to be fast and fun to drive, similar to traditional sporty hatchbacks but without using gasoline. They offer a mix of performance and practicality.
A hot hatch EV refers to a high-performance electric hatchback car that combines the practicality of a hatchback with sporty performance characteristics. These vehicles are designed to be fun to drive while also being environmentally friendly due to their electric powertrains.
Alpine A110
"...r on the center console to make it feel like the A110 and sport? Yeah, because the A110 also lacks a c..."
The A110 is a small sports car that is very fun to drive and looks cool with its classic design. It's made for people who love speed and handling on the road.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car that emphasizes agility and driving pleasure, originally launched in the 1960s and recently revived. It is celebrated for its sharp handling and retro-inspired design, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate performance and style.
Renault A110
"on the center console to make it feel like the A110 and sport?"
The Renault A110 is a sporty car made by Renault that was popular in the 1960s and 70s. It was known for being lightweight and great for racing.
The Renault A110 is a sports car that was produced by Renault from 1961 to 1977. It is known for its lightweight construction and agility, making it a successful rally car.
Tesla Model
"So what I drove the other day, mate, is a Tesla Model Y Performance. Quick? Yeah, really quick."
The Tesla Model Y Performance is a fast electric SUV made by Tesla. It has a lot of space inside and is known for being very quick and high-tech.
The Tesla Model Y Performance is a high-performance electric SUV that offers impressive acceleration and handling. It features dual motors for all-wheel drive and is known for its spacious interior and advanced technology.
horsepower
"Yeah, 460 horsepower, but it feels more like 800. The amount of storage space in any Tesla is off the scale good."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to indicate the power output of engines. In the context of cars, higher horsepower typically means better acceleration and performance.
performance
"you would think there was a big difference in the performance. But the truth is, you don't really use maximum poke in any car these days, do you?"
Performance means how well a car drives and how fast it can go. It's about how quickly it can speed up and how well it handles on the road.
Performance in automotive terms refers to how well a vehicle accelerates, handles, and brakes. It encompasses various aspects such as speed, agility, and overall driving experience.
Renault
"...who've just said, is that the new Renault? Yeah, we were flashed to a halt in a car park"
Renault is a car company from France that makes different types of vehicles. They are well-known in Europe for their stylish and practical cars.
Renault is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to commercial vehicles. They have a strong presence in Europe and are recognized for their innovative designs and technology.
Volkswagen ID.3
"by a bloke in a Volkswagen ID3 who wanted to know about it. Yeah."
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a new electric car that is designed to be easy to drive and affordable. It's part of Volkswagen's push to create more electric vehicles for everyday use.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an all-electric hatchback that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It is designed to be a practical and affordable option for those looking to transition to electric driving.
Volkswagen Id3
"... flashed to a halt in a car park by a bloke in a Volkswagen ID3 who wanted to know about it. Yeah."
The ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses but is made with modern technology. It's designed for families and people who want a roomy, eco-friendly vehicle.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern technology and sustainability. It aims to provide a spacious and versatile vehicle for families and adventurers alike.
Mazda 2
"Yeah, 2008 Mazda 2, 2006 Golf, 2003 Audi A2, and a 2005 Defender."
The Mazda 2 is a small car that is easy to drive and park, and it's known for being good on gas.
The Mazda 2 is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency and compact design, making it a popular choice for city driving.
Volkswagen Golf
"Yeah, 2008 Mazda 2, 2006 Golf, 2003 Audi A2, and a 2005 Defender."
The Volkswagen Golf is a popular small car that is known for being reliable and fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that is well-regarded for its practicality, performance, and quality interior.
MOT
"But I stick them in for an MOT, or their respective owners."
An MOT is a yearly check in the UK to make sure cars are safe to drive and not polluting too much.
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport test, a mandatory annual test in the UK to ensure that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards.
Land Rover Defender
"stick them in for an MOT. And apart from the Defender, which sometimes needs work, because it's a Land..."
The Defender is a tough, boxy SUV that can go anywhere, even on bumpy trails. It's built to last, but some versions might need extra care and repairs over time.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged SUV designed for serious off-road performance and durability. It has a storied history, being known for its utilitarian design and capability, but some models may require more maintenance than others.
Lotus Elise
"...he's got this Lotus Elise Series 1, which our friend Simon Scott Russell..."
The Lotus Elise Series 1 is a small, light sports car that is fun to drive. It's known for being quick and easy to handle, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Lotus Elise Series 1 is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and minimalist design. It was produced from 1996 to 2001 and is celebrated for its performance and driving experience.
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.