Matt Misses Out On His Dream Car, The Futures of Bugatti and Pagani
About this episode
Hannah Elliott shares insights from the Concor at the Wynn in Las Vegas, featuring exclusive interviews with Bugatti's president, Christophe Piachon, and Pagani's Christopher Pagani. The discussion highlights Bugatti's strong demand, with orders filled until 2029, and the brand's commitment to combustion engines despite the rise of electric vehicles. Matt Miller reflects on his missed opportunity to acquire a dream Porsche, sparking a conversation about the allure of classic cars and the challenges of finding the perfect model. The episode blends personal anecdotes with industry insights, making it a captivating listen for car enthusiasts.
The podcast welcomes Christoph Piochon of Bugatti and Christopher Pagani of Pagani talking about the state of supercars from the SiriusXM studios at the 2025 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. Plus, Matt misses out on his dream car, a Porsche 964 America Roadster.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pagani
"And Pagani's own Christopher Pagani."
Pagani is another luxury car brand that makes very special and fast cars, often with unique designs.
Pagani is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, known for their unique design and engineering excellence.
Bring a Trailer
"Yes, I mean, super depressed that I missed out on an auction on bring a trailer for what for me is like a grail, a grail car."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can bid on and buy classic and unique cars.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic and enthusiast cars, where users can buy and sell vehicles.
Ferrari 360
"Like remember last week we were talking about this Ferrari 360 with the six speed. And it went for 89,000 and, you know, low miles, everything in perfect condition."
The Ferrari 360 is a high-performance sports car made by Ferrari. It has a powerful engine and is designed for speed and handling.
The Ferrari 360 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1999 to 2005. It is known for its sleek design, high performance, and the use of lightweight materials.
maintenance
"And I feel like the maintenance could get out of hand, maybe not, but could."
Maintenance is the work done to keep a car running well, like oil changes and repairs. Some cars, especially expensive ones, can need a lot of maintenance.
Maintenance refers to the routine checks and repairs needed to keep a vehicle in good working condition. For high-end cars like Ferrari, this can be particularly costly.
Ferrari Ff Ferrari
"You also sent me that FF Ferrari. A gorgeous FF in like a dark, like a midnight blue with burgundy leather."
The Ferrari FF is a luxury sports car that can seat four people. It has a powerful engine and is designed for both speed and comfort.
The Ferrari FF is a four-seat grand tourer that combines performance with luxury. It features a V12 engine and all-wheel drive, making it unique in the Ferrari lineup.
Porsche 911
"But, you know, I've had and she's had a 911. So that's in my wheelhouse."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for its speed and unique shape. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has become an icon in the automotive world, often regarded as one of the best sports cars ever made.
air-cooled
"And so I've been looking for a long, long time for an older, air-cooled Porsche, not because..."
Air-cooled means the engine is kept cool by air instead of water. Older cars, like some Porsches, used this system, making them simpler and easier to maintain.
Air-cooled engines are cooled by air instead of liquid coolant. This design was common in older cars, including many classic Porsches, and is often appreciated for its simplicity and mechanical feel.
wide body
"But what I also want is the wide body. I like the flared hips, you know, both front and back."
A wide body means the car has wider sides and fenders, which makes it look more aggressive and allows for bigger tires. This can help the car handle better when driving fast.
A wide body refers to a car design that features flared fenders and a broader stance, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. This design allows for wider tires and improved handling characteristics, often seen in performance-oriented models.
Porsche 911 Turbo
"And the 930 is what you want, if you're, you know, what you're looking for, if you want that, usually, right?"
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance version of the 911 sports car, known for its powerful turbo engine and wider body design.
The Porsche 911 Turbo, specifically the 930 generation, is known for its distinctive turbocharged performance and wide body style, making it a sought-after model among enthusiasts.
WTL
"or the WTL on the 964s, which is the, I think it was the wide turbo look or something like that, the factory"
WTL stands for 'Wide Turbo Look,' which is a special option for some Porsche 964 cars that makes them look like the wider Turbo models.
The WTL designation refers to the 'Wide Turbo Look' option available on certain Porsche 964 models, giving them a wider stance similar to the Turbo variants.
cabrio
"One of the things Porsche did, and I also love cabrios."
A cabrio is a car that has a roof that can be opened, so you can drive it with the top down. It's great for enjoying nice weather and feeling the breeze while driving.
A cabrio, short for cabriolet, is a type of car that features a convertible roof, allowing it to be driven with the top down. This style is popular for its open-air driving experience, especially in warmer climates.
Porsche 356
"of it. It was like to commemorate a 356 or something. They did the same."
The Porsche 356 is an old sports car that was made a long time ago, from 1948 to 1965. It's important because it was the first car made by Porsche and helped the brand become famous for making fast and well-built cars. Many people love it for its classic look and fun to drive feel.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car that was produced by Porsche from 1948 to 1965. It is significant as the first production model by the company and played a crucial role in establishing Porsche's reputation for performance and engineering excellence. The 356 is often celebrated for its timeless design and driving experience, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
turbo body
"And it's the turbo body, so the wider hips."
A 'turbo body' means the car has a wider shape that helps it go faster and handle better, especially in models that have turbo engines.
The term 'turbo body' refers to the wider body style of certain Porsche models, particularly those equipped with turbocharged engines. This design allows for larger tires and improved aerodynamics.
G50 manual transmission
"...the air cooled, obviously the G 50 manual transmission speed. And I just thought, like why bother?"
The G50 is a specific kind of manual gearbox used in some Porsche cars. It's known for being reliable and providing a good driving experience.
The G50 manual transmission is a type of gearbox used in certain Porsche models, particularly known for its smooth shifting and durability. It was introduced in the late 1980s and is often praised by enthusiasts for its performance characteristics.
Rolls-Royce Ghosts
"...times that happens, you know, the, you know, the ghosts, but I just, I'm going to probably have to wait ..."
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a very fancy car that is all about luxury and comfort. It was first made in 2009 and is known for being really powerful and having lots of special features that make it feel like a royal ride. People talk about it because it's a symbol of wealth and high-class living.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury sedan that represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and opulence. Launched in 2009, it is known for its powerful V12 engine and ultra-luxurious features, making it a symbol of wealth and status. The Ghost is often discussed for its exceptional comfort and bespoke customization options.
Bugatti Chiron
"And that's the Veyrons, the Charons."
The Bugatti Chiron is a newer model that is even faster and more powerful than the Veyron, known for its luxury and speed.
The Bugatti Chiron is a successor to the Veyron, featuring a quad-turbocharged W16 engine and advanced aerodynamics, making it one of the most powerful and fastest production cars.
Bugatti Veyrons
"And that's the Veyrons, the Charons."
The Bugatti Veyron is a very fast and expensive car that was famous for being one of the quickest cars ever made.
The Bugatti Veyron is a luxury sports car known for its exceptional speed and engineering, once holding the title of the fastest production car in the world.
electric motors
"...electric engines, electric motors versus internal combustion engines. Because this is the big debate, of course..."
Electric motors are parts that help cars move by using electricity instead of fuel. They are found in electric cars and are better for the environment than regular engines.
Electric motors are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, allowing vehicles to move. They are commonly used in electric vehicles as a cleaner alternative to traditional combustion engines.
thermal engine
"The next generation of Bugatti should have at least a thermic engine. And if not fully with a thermal engine, with maybe hybrid."
A thermal engine is a type of engine that uses fuel to create power. It's what most cars use to run, like gasoline engines.
A thermal engine, commonly referred to as an internal combustion engine, converts fuel into mechanical energy through combustion. This type of engine is traditionally used in most vehicles.
hybrid
"And if not fully with a thermal engine, with maybe hybrid. And that's how came the idea with the tourbillon."
A hybrid car uses both a regular engine and an electric motor to help it run. This makes it more efficient and better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle uses two or more types of power, typically combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This setup aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Cadillac V16
"...reveal very sensitive and acoustically impressive V16 with a sensation of a natural aspirated engine. ..."
The Cadillac V16 is a very old luxury car made in the 1930s, famous for having a big 16-cylinder engine that made it really powerful and smooth to drive. It was one of the most luxurious cars back then, showing how good Cadillac was at making fancy vehicles. People talk about it because it's an important part of car history.
The Cadillac V16 is a historic luxury car produced in the 1930s, known for its remarkable V16 engine that provided exceptional power and smoothness. It was one of the most prestigious cars of its time, showcasing Cadillac's engineering prowess and commitment to luxury. The V16 is often discussed for its significance in automotive history and its role in establishing Cadillac as a leader in luxury vehicles.
torque
"But the weakness of a natural aspirated engine is with the low raves, you don't have the torque."
Torque is what helps a car move forward quickly. If a car has low torque at low speeds, it can feel slow to start.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, which is crucial for acceleration and pulling power. Low RPM torque can affect how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a stop.
800hp electric
"And now with the combination with 800hp electric plus 1000hp thermic, that's really a game changer."
800 horsepower means the electric motor can produce a lot of power, making the car very fast. It's a way to measure how strong the engine is.
This refers to an electric vehicle (EV) that produces 800 horsepower, showcasing the power potential of electric motors. High horsepower in EVs allows for rapid acceleration and impressive performance.
1000hp thermic
"And now with the combination with 800hp electric plus 1000hp thermic, that's really a game changer."
1000 horsepower from a thermic engine means it's a very powerful gas or diesel engine, which can make cars go really fast. 'Thermic' just means it works by burning fuel.
This refers to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) that produces 1000 horsepower. The term 'thermic' indicates that it generates power through combustion processes, contrasting with electric power.
400km per hour
"Because how many, how often are driving our customers over 400km per hour? Very few times."
400 kilometers per hour is a very fast speed, similar to how fast some race cars can go. It's not something most cars can reach on regular roads.
This is a measure of speed, equivalent to approximately 249 miles per hour. It's a high-speed benchmark that few vehicles can achieve, often seen in high-performance cars.
Aston Martin
"...I'd love to get a manual, whatever, Aston Martin or Pagani like we just were talking."
Aston Martin is a fancy car brand from Britain that makes fast and stylish cars. They are famous for being in James Bond movies.
Aston Martin is a British luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and association with James Bond films. Their cars often feature powerful engines and elegant designs.
double clutch system
"...with the first double clutch system with an hypercar, which when I have to say the Veyron was the first hypercar at all."
A double clutch system is a special kind of car transmission that helps the car change gears more quickly and smoothly. It's often used in very fast cars to make them even faster.
A double clutch system is a type of transmission that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets, allowing for faster gear changes and improved performance. This technology is commonly found in high-performance vehicles.
hypercar
"...which when I have to say the Veyron was the first hypercar at all. And it was really the creation of a new segment."
A hypercar is an extremely fast and expensive type of sports car that has the best technology and performance. These cars are usually made in very small numbers and are considered the best of the best.
A hypercar is a classification of high-performance vehicles that are at the top of the automotive market in terms of speed, technology, and price. Hypercars often feature cutting-edge engineering and are produced in limited quantities.
horsepower
"...have over 1000 horsepower available, but to have it easy to drive."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to express the power output of an engine. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, directly affecting a vehicle's speed and acceleration.
land speed record
"...Obviously Bugatti has held some wonderful land speed record titles in the past. Do you also anticipate you will continue to chase those in the future?"
A land speed record is when a car goes the fastest on land. It's a way to see which car can drive the quickest over a certain distance.
A land speed record is the highest speed achieved by a vehicle on land, typically measured over a specified distance under controlled conditions.
Concor
"But colloquially, we just call it the Las Vegas Concor."
A 'Concor' is a fancy car show where really nice and rare cars are displayed and judged. People come to see beautiful cars and sometimes to win awards.
The term 'Concor' refers to a Concours d'Elegance, a prestigious event where classic and luxury cars are showcased and judged based on their beauty, history, and condition. These events often attract car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.
Pagani Zonda
"...more than 40 Paganis between Zonda, Wairas and Utopias. So it will be pretty special."
The Pagani Zonda is a super-fast sports car made by Pagani. It has a very unique look and is loved by car fans for its speed and style.
The Pagani Zonda is a high-performance sports car that was produced from 1999 to 2017. It is known for its distinctive design and powerful engine options, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Pagani Huayra
"...more than 40 Paganis between Zonda, Wairas and Utopias. So it will be pretty special."
The Pagani Huayra is another super-fast car from Pagani, known for its amazing design and powerful engine. It's very exclusive and expensive.
The Pagani Huayra is a successor to the Zonda, introduced in 2011. It features advanced aerodynamics and a powerful twin-turbocharged V12 engine, making it one of the most sought-after hypercars.
Pagani Utopia
"...more than 40 Paganis between Zonda, Wairas and Utopias. So it will be pretty special."
The Pagani Utopia is a new model from Pagani that focuses on both speed and luxury, following in the footsteps of the Zonda and Huayra.
The Pagani Utopia is one of the latest models from Pagani, designed to combine performance with luxury. It continues the brand's tradition of creating unique, high-performance vehicles.
Plymouth Cuda
"... back. So that was a big challenge, which on the Cuda Lunga Speedster, you find it also. And no hybrids..."
The Plymouth Cuda is a classic American car that was popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It's known for being fast and having a cool design, which makes it a favorite among car lovers. People often talk about it because it represents a time when cars were all about power and style.
The Plymouth Cuda, officially known as the Plymouth Barracuda, is a classic American muscle car that gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is particularly notable for its powerful engine options and aggressive styling, making it a symbol of the muscle car era. The Cuda is often discussed for its performance capabilities and its cultural impact in automotive history.
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