{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Mike Fernie - Leaving DriveTribe and Going Solo","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/mike-fernie-leaving-drivetribe-and-going-solo","audioUrl":"https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/COMG6676967687.mp3?updated=1766589650","description":"Mike Fernie spent 8+ years at DriveTribe, became Head of Video, and helped build some of the channel’s most-loved nerdy engine deep dives — now he’s gone solo on his own YouTube channel.\nWe talk Clarkson/Hammond/May behind-the-scenes, how YouTube actually rewards consistency, and what Mike’s building next (including a big-turbo XJS and the infamous V10 MX-5).\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/Mike_Fernie\n\n\n\nEnjoy.\n\n\n\n\n\nShow Notes:\n\n00:00 Mike Fernie: the quick backstory (engineering → car media)03:06 Leaving DriveTribe: why he went solo (and what changes)06:05 Making videos people actually finish: workflow + production choices08:56 What the audience really responds to: retention, comments, feedback loops12:10 DriveTribe’s evolution: what worked, what got harder over time14:58 From mech eng to car journalism: how Mike got in18:02 Did DriveTribe change car YouTube / car journalism?20:55 The next phase of content: personal brands vs “channels with presenters”23:54 Favourite videos + experimenting creatively (what he’d do more of)56:00 Icon cars: reliability, running costs, and what’s actually worth owning1:00:48 Mike’s car taste: the stuff he’s drawn to (and why)1:04:09 Project car plans: ambitions, budgets, and “bad ideas”1:08:54 The business of YouTube: strategy, revenue, sustainability1:12:19 Dream gig: building engines with an OEM / real R&D access1:18:41 Engine design shifts: what’s changed (and what’s coming back)1:25:14 High-speed records: what’s possible now, what’s myth1:31:57 Five-car garage: the keeper list + standout car journeys\n\n\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":1341.0,"endTime":1345.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Fiesta","url":"/cars/ford/fiesta-active","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/1981_Ford_Fiesta_GL.jpg","quote":"[1341.0s] And that is the new Ford Fiesta, the new key.","canonicalId":"car:ford:fiesta-active","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Fiesta is a compact car produced by the American automaker Ford. It has been popular in Europe and other markets for its small size, fuel efficiency, and affordable price.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Fiesta is a small car made by the company Ford. It’s known for being easy to drive and not using too much gas, which makes it a good choice for city driving.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1711.0,"endTime":1726.0,"type":"term","title":"drive-trade","url":"/glossary/drive-trade","quote":"...drive‑trade essentially fell out with every single press office in the industry, because people would rate three articles...","canonicalId":"term:drive-trade","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Drive‑trade is a marketing strategy where automotive dealers or manufacturers trade vehicles to media outlets, influencers, or journalists in exchange for coverage, reviews, or promotional content.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drive‑trade means a company gives cars to people who write or film about them so they can talk about the car online. It’s a way to get more people talking about the vehicle."}},{"startTime":1766.0,"endTime":1783.0,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"...I know Mercedes were also the happiest back in the day, and there was a couple of others that had to kind of been duped...","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive manufacturer known for its high-quality engineering, advanced technology, and prestigious brand heritage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a famous car company from Germany that makes fancy, high‑end cars. They’re known for good safety and smooth driving."}},{"startTime":3359.8,"endTime":3365.0,"type":"brand","title":"Subaru","url":"/glossary/subaru","quote":"on the same trip and the bunker was up at Scotland and we built Richard's Grand Tour Subaru to be a bit more monster","canonicalId":"brand:subaru","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines.","simplifiedExplanation":"Subaru makes cars that can drive well in many weather conditions because they have power on all four wheels."}},{"startTime":3359.8,"endTime":3365.0,"type":"term","title":"5600 horsepower","url":"/glossary/5600-horsepower","quote":"we built Richard's Grand Tour Subaru to be a bit more monster and we got it up like 5600 horsepower","canonicalId":"term:5600-horsepower","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Horsepower is a unit of power that measures how much work an engine can do over time; 5600 horsepower indicates a very high-performance vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"Horsepower tells you how strong the car’s engine is. 5600 horsepower means it can do a lot of work and go very fast."}},{"startTime":3685.2,"endTime":3693.2,"type":"part","title":"boost hose","url":"/glossary/boost-hose","quote":"the super in the EVO the Subaru was just an absolute tank and virtually I think it it popped one boost hose once ...","canonicalId":"part:boost-hose","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The boost hose carries pressurized air from the turbocharger to the engine’s intake manifold. A burst or leak can cause loss of power and potential damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"The boost hose is a tube that sends hot, pressurized air from the turbo to the engine. If it breaks, the car can lose power."}},{"startTime":3791.2,"endTime":3806.6,"type":"brand","title":"MG Rover","url":"/glossary/mg-rover","quote":"MG rovers outside this house there's two basically as as a kid growing up the classic car in the family it was an MG an MGC from the 1960s not meant my the first car I wanted","canonicalId":"brand:mg-rover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"MG Rover was a British automotive company that produced cars from the 1990s until its collapse in 2005, known for models like the MG ZR and Rover 75.","simplifiedExplanation":"MG Rover was a UK car maker that made several popular cars in the 90s and early 2000s, but it went out of business in 2005."}},{"startTime":3864.4,"endTime":3866.0,"type":"brand","title":"MG Motor","url":"/glossary/mg-motor","quote":"1-800-contacts was an MG and at that time the little hatchback you could get to the MGZR","canonicalId":"brand:mg-motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"MG Motor is a British automotive brand known for producing affordable, stylish cars and recently re-entering the market with modern hatchbacks.","simplifiedExplanation":"MG Motor is a car brand from the UK that makes budget-friendly cars with sporty looks."}},{"startTime":3971.5,"endTime":3983.8,"type":"car","title":"BMW M5 Touring","url":"/cars/bmw/m5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/2008_BMW_M5_Touring.jpg","quote":"but yeah that M5 touring like you can get a five liter naturally aspirated V8","canonicalId":"car:bmw:m5","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance, five‑door wagon version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a BMW car that looks like a regular sedan but has extra power and can pull off sporty moves. Think of it as a fast family car with a big engine.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":4115.5,"endTime":4130.0,"type":"car","title":"Jaguar XJS","url":"/cars/jaguar/xj-s","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/1988_Jaguar_XJ-S_V12_convertible_-_mick_-_Lumix.jpg","quote":"I feel like the hype for the Jaguar XJS is starting to creep...","canonicalId":"car:jaguar:xj-s","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Jaguar XJS is a classic luxury grand tourer produced by the British automaker Jaguar from 1975 to 1986, known for its elegant styling and powerful inline-six engines.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Jaguar XJS is a fancy old car from the 1970s and 80s that people still love for its smooth ride and classic look.","imageAttribution":"Mick from England (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":4135.4,"endTime":4150.0,"type":"part","title":"Jaguar AJ 16 straight-six engine","url":"/glossary/jaguar-aj-16-straight-six-engine","quote":"I have an engine that I'd like to the Jaguar AG 16 they're straight six it started off as a diesel and then midway through development they swapped to it being a petrol...","canonicalId":"part:jaguar-aj-16-straight-six-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Jaguar AJ 16 is a 3.6‑liter inline‑six engine originally designed as a diesel but later converted to petrol; it is known for its robust construction and high torque output.","simplifiedExplanation":"This engine is a strong, six‑cylinder power plant that was first made for diesel cars but later changed to run on gasoline. It’s built tough and gives a lot of power."}},{"startTime":4177.6,"endTime":4184.7,"type":"car","title":"Jaguar AG 16","quote":"\"...attaching it to a Jaguar AG 16 and having basically a big turbo XGS...\"","canonicalId":"car:jaguar-ag-16","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Jaguar AG 16 is a high‑performance version of the Jaguar XJ sedan, originally built for racing and known for its powerful V8 engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jaguar AG 16 is a special, fast version of a Jaguar car that was made for racing. It has a very strong engine and is used by people who like high performance cars."}},{"startTime":4225.4,"endTime":4231.5,"type":"term","title":"V12 car","url":"/glossary/v12-car","quote":"like a V12 car so suddenly it was like this collection of cars that you know nobody cared about","canonicalId":"term:v12-car","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A V12 car refers to a vehicle powered by an engine with twelve cylinders arranged in a V configuration, offering smooth power delivery and high performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V12 car has an engine with twelve cylinders in a V shape, which makes it very smooth and powerful."}},{"startTime":4252.8,"endTime":4261.6,"type":"part","title":"two-liter V10 engine","url":"/glossary/two-liter-v10-engine","quote":"and it basically we're developing this two-liter V10 um you can lift it up like with your own","canonicalId":"part:two-liter-v10-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A two-liter V10 engine is an unusually small displacement engine with ten cylinders, aiming for high efficiency and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A two-liter V10 engine is a very small engine with ten cylinders, designed to be powerful but not too big."}},{"startTime":4303.1,"endTime":4308.7,"type":"term","title":"dyno","url":"/glossary/dyno","quote":"[4303.1s] going to be on the dyno in like the common reach yeah running properly by January","canonicalId":"term:dyno","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A dyno, or dynamometer, is a device that measures the power output of an engine by applying resistance to its crankshaft. Engineers use dynos to tune engines and verify performance claims.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dyno is a machine that tests how much power a car’s engine can make by putting a load on it. It helps people see if the engine is working as expected."}},{"startTime":4647.8,"endTime":4654.3,"type":"brand","title":"Red Bull Racing","url":"/glossary/red-bull-racing","quote":"[4647.8s] love to be in there at that point for example like Red Bull are building that RB17 hypercar right now [4654.3s] they drew a one they've opted for I think it's a four liter V10 thousand horsepower","canonicalId":"brand:red-bull-racing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Red Bull Racing is a Formula 1 team known for its innovative engineering and high-performance cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Red Bull Racing is a racing team that builds fast cars for competitions like Formula 1."}},{"startTime":4684.3,"endTime":4690.8,"type":"term","title":"non-turbo","url":"/glossary/non-turbo","quote":"sort of airflow do we need turbo non-turbo right okay but just all those like really like simple","canonicalId":"term:non-turbo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Non-turbo refers to engines that do not use a turbocharger and rely on naturally aspirated airflow.","simplifiedExplanation":"Non-turbo means the engine pulls air in on its own without any extra fan or compressor."}},{"startTime":4787.2,"endTime":4790.0,"type":"company","title":"Cosworth","url":"/glossary/cosworth","quote":"...Matti Remak has gone to Cosworth and be like I want the V16 lands","canonicalId":"company:cosworth","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Cosworth is a British engineering company specializing in high-performance engines and racing technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cosworth is a company that builds powerful engines for racing and high‑performance cars."}},{"startTime":4799.3,"endTime":4802.0,"type":"term","title":"naturally aspirated","url":"/glossary/naturally-aspirated","quote":"...a V16 well it's going to have to be this displacement and it's going to be naturally aspirated","canonicalId":"term:naturally-aspirated","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An engine that relies on atmospheric pressure for air intake, without forced induction like turbocharging.","simplifiedExplanation":"Naturally aspirated means the engine takes in air from the atmosphere without extra pumps or turbochargers. It gives a smooth power delivery."}},{"startTime":5018.9,"endTime":5025.0,"type":"concept","title":"Group E rally cars","url":"/glossary/group-e-rally-cars","quote":"old Group E rally cars and if you listen to this thing on YouTube it screams it's like a 10,000","canonicalId":"concept:group-e-rally-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Group E was a class of rally cars in the 1980s that allowed highly modified, production-based vehicles with advanced technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"Group E rally cars were special race cars from the 1980s that could be heavily tuned and had a lot of tech for speed."}},{"startTime":5053.1,"endTime":5060.7,"type":"term","title":"V12 engine","url":"/glossary/v12-engine","quote":"when Ashton came along and said can you build us a V12 for the Valkyrie they basically went into their cupboard","canonicalId":"term:v12-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A V12 is an engine with twelve cylinders arranged in two banks of six, offering smooth power and high performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V12 engine has twelve cylinders in a V shape, which makes it very powerful and smooth for high-end cars."}},{"startTime":5133.0,"endTime":5136.0,"type":"part","title":"exhaust port","url":"/glossary/exhaust-ports","quote":"one cylinder blanked off they've literally got tissue paper shoved in the exhaust port of this","canonicalId":"part:exhaust-ports","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The exhaust port is the opening where exhaust gases exit the engine’s cylinder head into the exhaust system.","simplifiedExplanation":"The exhaust port is a hole that lets the hot gases from the engine leave the car, helping it run smoothly."}},{"startTime":5165.3,"endTime":5187.7,"type":"brand","title":"Aston Martin","url":"/glossary/aston-martin","quote":"yeah that everyone's laughing it's bespoke made by aston Martin yeah yeah but you you learn\nthat the engine industry whenever someone says bespoke engine you can immediately call","canonicalId":"brand:aston-martin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Aston Martin is a British luxury car manufacturer known for high‑performance sports cars and grand tourers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aston Martin makes fancy, fast cars that are often seen in movies and on the road."}},{"startTime":5397.3,"endTime":5400.0,"type":"brand","title":"Porsche","url":"/glossary/porsche","quote":"but the challenge is that the guys like Porsche have to face because they need their","canonicalId":"brand:porsche","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Porsche is a German luxury sports car manufacturer known for high-performance vehicles like the 911 and Cayenne.","simplifiedExplanation":"Porsche makes fast, fancy cars that many people admire for their speed and style."}},{"startTime":5443.9,"endTime":5446.0,"type":"term","title":"supercharger","url":"/glossary/supercharger","quote":"that's not going to be some silly thing in America that's got a super charger the size of a fiesta","canonicalId":"term:supercharger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A supercharger is a device that forces more air into an engine’s combustion chamber, increasing power output.","simplifiedExplanation":"A supercharger helps a car’s engine make more power by squeezing extra air into it, which can make the car faster."}},{"startTime":5451.1,"endTime":5454.0,"type":"concept","title":"combustion engine","url":"/glossary/combustion-engine","quote":"sounds insane do you think we've seen the end of a sort of standard manufacturer combustion engine","canonicalId":"concept:combustion-engine","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.96,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A combustion engine burns fuel inside cylinders to create power, the traditional internal combustion engine used in most cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A combustion engine is the type of engine that burns gasoline or diesel to make a car move; it’s what most cars use today."}},{"startTime":5581.1,"endTime":5585.0,"type":"concept","title":"high speed runs","url":"/glossary/high-speed-runs","quote":"hearing Andy Wallace talk about doing high speed runs and then you know I can't if you went up","canonicalId":"concept:high-speed-runs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"High speed runs refer to driving a vehicle at very high speeds, often on closed tracks or test courses, to evaluate performance and safety limits.","simplifiedExplanation":"High speed runs are when drivers take a car to very fast speeds, usually on a track or closed road, to see how it handles and how fast it can go."}},{"startTime":5672.9,"endTime":5678.0,"type":"brand","title":"Michelin","url":"/glossary/michelin","quote":"[5672.9s] what are they Michelin because that's always been the huge factor as well the tires","canonicalId":"brand:michelin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Michelin is a French multinational tire manufacturer known for producing high-performance tires used in racing and everyday vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Michelin makes car tires that help cars grip the road and stay safe. They’re famous for racing tires that give good speed and control."}},{"startTime":5749.4,"endTime":5755.0,"type":"brand","title":"Bhagati","url":"/glossary/bhagati","quote":"...bhagati bhagati just seemed to be seeing so much cooler stuff now then it was cool but I think...","canonicalId":"brand:bhagati","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Bhagati is an Indian luxury automotive manufacturer known for high-performance, custom-built cars such as the Bhagati Vayu and Bhagati Vayu 2.0.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bhagati is a company that makes very fast, fancy cars in India. They’re famous for building unique, high‑speed vehicles."}},{"startTime":6356.8,"endTime":6363.8,"type":"term","title":"F1 V10","url":"/glossary/f1-v10","quote":"building up one of their f1 v10s and so start with it like all over the floor","canonicalId":"term:f1-v10","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A V10 engine used in Formula 1 racing, featuring ten cylinders arranged in a V‑shape. These engines are high‑performance, lightweight, and produce very high power outputs.","simplifiedExplanation":"An F1 V10 is a special kind of engine that has ten cylinders in a V shape. It’s used in racing cars and can make a lot of power very quickly."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Sam Moores","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/mike-fernie-leaving-drivetribe-and-going-solo/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}