MORE Cars That Need A Comeback (N-Z), Susceptible To Greatness, Waiting Too Long | Episode 1,014
About this episode
A lively discussion continues about cars that deserve a comeback, focusing on models from Nissan to Volvo. The hosts share their thoughts on various brands and specific models, including the Nissan 240SX and Opel GT, while also reflecting on the legacy of Tom Matano, the Miata's designer. They delve into the latest automotive news, including Porsche's EV strategy and a humorous take on a bizarre battery ejection system for electric vehicles. The episode wraps up with car debates and listener questions, showcasing the hosts' passion for driving and automotive culture.
Mazda Miata
"On a sad note, the father of the Miata Tom Matano has passed at age 77."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is very popular among driving enthusiasts. It's known for being fun to drive and has been around for many years.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It has become an iconic model since its introduction in 1989.
Mazda RX-7
"he was also notably the designer of the FDRX 7, which is one of the prettiest cars ever."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car that uses a unique type of engine called a rotary engine. It's known for being very light and fun to drive.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its rotary engine and exceptional handling. It has a dedicated following and is celebrated for its performance and design.
FDRX-7
"he was also notably the designer of the FDRX 7, which is one of the prettiest cars ever."
The FDRX-7 is a specific version of the Mazda RX-7 that was made in the 1990s. It's famous for its good looks and fast performance.
The FDRX-7 refers to the third generation of the Mazda RX-7, produced from 1992 to 2002. It is known for its sleek design and performance capabilities.
Lexus LC 500
"...ke they're with E type and Z car. And I think the LC 500 cars that 20, 30 years later still detracted also..."
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"...it's so encouraging and certainly inspiring to hear about this guy that what he did by inspiring people to, I am Miata. I mean, Tom and the Miata are inextricably linked forever in my mind."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is very popular among driving enthusiasts. It's known for being fun to drive and is often praised for its design and performance.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It has a strong following and is often celebrated for its design and performance.
product strategy realignment
"But the good news is that Porsche has delayed new EVs because they are calling it the product strategy realignment. And by good news, I mean that they're going to rethink the 718 boxer in Cayman to offer an internal combustion engine, which we're talking about having that engine and all of their cars."
Product strategy realignment is when a company changes its plans about what products to make based on what customers want or what is happening in the market. Porsche is changing how they think about electric cars and regular engines.
Product strategy realignment refers to a company's decision to adjust its product offerings and development focus, often in response to market trends or consumer demand. In this case, Porsche is reconsidering its approach to electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engines.
Porsche 718
"But the good news is that Porsche has delayed new EVs because they are calling it the product strategy realignment. And by good news, I mean that they're going to rethink the 718 boxer in Cayman to offer an internal combustion engine, which we're talking about having that engine and all of their cars."
The Porsche 718 is a type of sports car made by Porsche, which includes models like the Boxster and Cayman. They are known for being fun to drive and are now being considered for both regular engines and electric options.
The Porsche 718 is a line of mid-engine sports cars that includes the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. These models are known for their agile handling and performance, and Porsche is considering offering them with traditional internal combustion engines alongside electric variants.
Porsche Macan EV
"Yeah, look, I welcome what they're doing because on screen, you will see the Macon and the new Macon EV represents 60% of Macon's sold."
The Porsche Macan EV is the electric version of the Macan SUV. It is part of Porsche's effort to make more electric cars as more people want them.
The Porsche Macan EV is the electric version of the popular Macan SUV. It represents a shift towards electrification in Porsche's lineup, catering to the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Porsche 718 Cayman
"...I love that they're rethinking the EV strategy for the 718 Cayman and Boxster. Hopefully means more GT4s and keep the manuals around..."
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a sporty car that has its engine in the middle, making it handle well on the road. It's part of a series of Porsche cars that are designed for driving fun.
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its balance and performance. It is part of Porsche's 718 lineup, which also includes the Boxster.
Porsche Boxster
"...I love that they're rethinking the EV strategy for the 718 Cayman and Boxster. Hopefully means more GT4s and keep the manuals around..."
The Porsche Boxster is a small sports car that you can drive with the top down. It's designed to be fun to drive and is similar to the Cayman but has a convertible roof.
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible sports car that shares its platform with the 718 Cayman. It is known for its agile handling and open-top driving experience.
turbo
"...and their new GTS that they're working their way through kind of the hybridized turbos and that's genius stuff."
A turbo is a part of some car engines that helps them produce more power by forcing in extra air. This makes the car faster and more efficient.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This technology is often used in performance vehicles to enhance engine efficiency and power output.
thermal runaway
"...Well you pierce one of them and it catches fire and then the 10 around it are probably all damaged. Thermal runaway is the term."
Thermal runaway is when a battery gets too hot and starts a fire that spreads to other batteries. This is a big problem for electric cars because it makes it hard to put out the fire.
Thermal runaway refers to a situation where a battery overheats and causes a chain reaction, leading to further overheating and potential fire. This is a critical concern for electric vehicles, as it can make fires extremely difficult to extinguish.
Rivian
"...the car and I think they used a Rivian as a test vehicle."
Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are known for their innovative designs and features that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its all-electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. The company focuses on adventure-oriented vehicles and sustainable technology.
battery
"It is showing an SUV eject what looks like a massive card table out of the side of itself that is the battery getting ejected with force out of the side of the vehicle."
The battery in an electric vehicle is what stores the electricity that powers the car. It's like a big rechargeable battery that you might have in your phone, but much larger and designed for cars.
In the context of electric vehicles, the battery is a crucial component that stores electrical energy to power the vehicle's electric motor. These batteries are often large and can be made from lithium-ion technology, which allows for efficient energy storage and delivery.
electric vehicle
"Let's think about two possible scenarios here. Your electric vehicle has wound up somewhere that has a fire or the battery might catch fire."
An electric vehicle is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It uses batteries to power an electric motor, which makes it different from regular cars that use fuel.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They use electric motors and batteries to operate, making them more environmentally friendly compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Cupra Born
"... of want fun cars again. So that's where this was born out of and that is what cars, they don't have to ..."
Nissan 240SX
"But I chose the 240SX because this was the simple recipe that everybody wants."
The Nissan 240SX is a fun sports car that many people like to modify and use for racing or drifting.
The Nissan 240SX is a sports car known for its lightweight design and rear-wheel drive, making it popular among car enthusiasts for drifting and modifications.
drifting culture
"It's popular of course with drifting culture, tuning culture. And it had that 2.4 liter engine in it."
Drifting culture is all about a driving style where cars slide sideways around corners. It's popular in racing and among car fans who enjoy showing off their skills.
Drifting culture refers to a motorsport and driving style where drivers intentionally oversteer their vehicles, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels while maintaining control through turns. This style has gained popularity in both competitive racing and car enthusiast communities.
sports compact car
"People really liked that 1989 to 1992 is when this was built but considered a sports compact car."
A sports compact car is a small car that is designed to be fun to drive and often looks sporty. They are usually lightweight and can be very fast.
A sports compact car is a small, lightweight vehicle designed for performance and agility, often featuring sporty styling and enhanced handling characteristics. These cars are popular among enthusiasts for their balance of power and efficiency.
manual transmission
"Front engine, rear wheel drive, manual transmission, that recipe."
A manual transmission is a type of car gearbox where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of gearbox that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This allows for greater control over the vehicle's power and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
front engine, rear wheel drive
"Front engine, rear wheel drive, manual transmission, that recipe."
Front engine, rear wheel drive means the car's engine is at the front and it powers the back wheels. This setup is common in sports cars because it helps with balance and control while driving.
Front engine, rear wheel drive (FR) is a vehicle layout where the engine is located at the front of the car and powers the rear wheels. This configuration is often favored for sports cars as it provides better weight distribution and handling characteristics.
Nissan Z
"Whereas the Z is more Supra and it's more even heavier GT car, they could really lightweight things."
The Nissan Z is a line of sports cars from Nissan that are designed for speed and fun driving. The latest version is just called the Nissan Z and it continues the brand's sporty tradition.
The Nissan Z refers to a series of sports cars produced by Nissan, with the latest model being the Nissan Z (2023). It is known for its performance and heritage in the sports car segment.
Toyota Supra
"...the Z is more Supra and it's more even heavier GT car..."
The Toyota Supra is a popular sports car known for being fast and fun to drive. It has a strong fan base and is often modified for better performance.
The Toyota Supra is a sports car that has gained a cult following for its performance and tuning potential. The latest generation, the A90, was released in 2019 and features a turbocharged inline-six engine.
Opel Gt
"There was the concept Opel GT in 2016 that I thought was superb. Now everybody's bought one maybe two or four..."
The Opel GT is a sporty car made by the Opel company, recognized for its unique design and fun driving experience.
The Opel GT is a sports car produced by the German automaker Opel, known for its distinctive styling and performance.
GR86
"I think the GR86 will continue. But at least it's currently in the market."
The GR86 is a small sports car made by Toyota. It's designed to be fun to drive and has a lightweight build, which helps with handling.
The Toyota GR86 is a compact sports car that emphasizes driving enjoyment and performance, featuring a lightweight design and rear-wheel drive layout. It is known for its balanced handling and engaging driving experience.
Porsche 914
"...gnize this car. It is the Griot's Garage, Porsche 914. I believe built in conjunction with Canapa desig..."
Canapa Design
"I believe built in conjunction with Canapa design. I fell in love with this car."
Canapa Design is a company that specializes in customizing cars to make them look and perform better.
Canapa Design is a company known for custom automotive design and modifications, often focusing on high-end and performance vehicles.
flat six
"the engine out of the Porsche 930 dropped in the back of this thing, flat six."
A flat-six engine is a type of engine with six cylinders that are laid out flat, which helps the car handle better and gives it a unique sound.
A flat-six engine, also known as a boxer engine, has six cylinders arranged horizontally in two banks. This design lowers the center of gravity and provides a unique engine sound.
Jaguar Etype
"And thank you, Griot's Garage, for letting us drive that. It was the same time that we did the Jaguar, the original Jaguar E-Type. It was such a fun review."
Aston Martin Vantage
"And you will not be surprised that I'm asking for Porsche to bring the GT back. Simply because Mercedes is doing it on a cross-town. True. You got the Amalfi, Aston Martin's got the Vantage."
The Aston Martin Vantage is a stylish sports car that combines luxury with speed, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Aston Martin Vantage is a luxury sports car known for its elegant design and powerful performance, often seen as a competitor in the GT car segment.
Chevrolet Corvette
"But the Corvette can be a GT car too. Interesting point."
The Corvette is a famous sports car from Chevrolet that offers great speed and handling, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, affordability relative to its capabilities, and distinctive design.
Porsche 928
"So here's just... Sexy photos of my 928. I love this car."
lemon's racing
"So if you know lemon's racing, it's a mishmash of cars. Yes."
Lemon's racing is a type of car race where participants use very cheap cars, usually costing around $500. It's all about having fun and being creative with your car, rather than just focusing on speed.
Lemon's racing, often referred to as '24 Hours of Lemons', is a series of endurance races featuring cars that typically cost $500 or less. The events are known for their humorous themes and creative car modifications, making it a fun and accessible way for amateur racers to compete.
Porsche 944
"Yes. And the owner of the 944, I think the story was something like it was cras..."
Chevrolet C/K Scottsdale
"And simply added the front of a 1983 Scottsdale pickup truck."
The Chevrolet Scottsdale is a type of pickup truck made by Chevrolet in the 1980s. It's known for being tough and useful for carrying things.
The Chevrolet Scottsdale is a trim level of the Chevrolet C/K series of pickup trucks, produced during the 1980s. It is known for its durability and utility, often used for both work and leisure.
Renault Sport Spider
"...o Renault from 1996 to 1999, Renault produced the sport spider that was built by Alpine and designed by a man na..."
Alpine A110
"Sure. Alpine A110 kind of thinking as well. Sure, yeah."
Subaru Outback
"...front end of a fairly recent Subaru, some sort of outback, and then kind of grafting on the back."
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"...a Hyundai collaboration for the second gen of the Santa Cruz. Here we go."
Subaru Brat
"Here we go. It comes with the Brat at Subaru because I'm all about collaborations"
Suzuki Jimny
"Mm-hmm. The Jimny. Got discontinued in 2018."
Suzuki Samurai
"...it's great. I mean, everything between the Suzuki Samurai and this could probably go away."
Suzuki SX4
"The Kizashi was good. And the SX-4 was decent. It wasn't an enthusiast car except for in some trims."
Toyota MR2
"...to Toyota. I think the obvious choice here is the MR2. This is the spider that we had on the $8,000 che..."
Hyundai Veloster N
"... could take a page out of Hyundai's book and do a Veloster N like this. Or something unique, but something tha..."
Honda Civic Type-R
"...ifferently, but the Veloster N proved everything. Civic Type R. Civic Type R does it too."
Volvo P1800
"... back some sort of cool fun sports coupe like the P1800. I'm showing the cyan build here just because I l..."
Toyota Camry
"...rive, genuine Ford or with decent space. It was a Camry competitor from Nissan, but it was the much more ..."
Nissan Altima
"... the Maximum became irrelevant, because it in the Altima, I'm not sure why you paid more for the Maximum. ..."
Nissan 370Z
"...d about how infinity needed to use stuff from the 370Z to make themselves a new G37."
Dodge Viper
"Moving on to Ram. I know I'm showing a Dodge Viper to talk about Ram. But I'm using it as a back doo..."
Hyundai Ionic
"... the Ionic which also looks like it's little. The Hyundai Ionic and it's actually kind of big. This is that side."
Jeep Wrangler
"...niquely positioned to make an all-electric actual Wrangler competitor. And I think the R3 is your way in."
Subaru WRX
"It was the hatch that really made the WRX unique. And then they, now they make a WRX or the..."
Toyota Crown
"Everybody knows it's a wagon. The Crown Signia. That's a wagon."
Tesla Model S
"You covered Tesla. I got a picture of the Model S. And here's why."
Tesla Cybertruck
"... new Model S. With the thing they proved with the Cybertruck is they can design it look like anything they wan..."
Tesla Model
"... that's huge. And I don't see the Mercedes or the Tesla Model S being in the same size category. It's still mor..."
Mercedes-Benz EQS
"...d be. I think, but I think Mercedes should be the EQS was huge. Yeah."
Porsches 550
"I'm mentioning it only because we already have it based on my list. Because Porsche's 550 is also an MR2. I got both."
Toyota Tacoma
"...ne. What Toyota really needs is a truck below the Tacoma because Toyota has the Tacoma which is getting bi..."
Toyota T100
"...oyota trucks used to be small, so they need a new T100. Now I'm aware of the fact that the T100 became t..."
Toyota Tundra
"...ow I'm aware of the fact that the T100 became the Tundra, but use the T100 brand and make a new pickup to ..."
Ford Maverick
"...0 brand and make a new pickup to compete with the Maverick and the Santa Cruz. So I went looking for somebod..."
Volkswagen Bus
"were simple and light and cheap. The bug, the bus, the thing. The thing."
Hyundai i20
"Yeah. Now that he's got the I-20, Jason's raving about the GR-Yaris. So maybe that's Ian's future."
Hyundai I20N
"Anyway, moving on. Hyundai I-20N, that's the current daily, has had a few track outings. But a pile of fun and reminded Ian that a small front-wheel drive hatch can be a blast."
Toyota Celica
"The history from Ian includes Mazda 121. A Toyota Celica R-A40 coupe that died. Ford Laser hatchback that ..."
Volkswagen Golf
"... a smiley face emoji con on his email, he says no golf. There he's just not a fan of Volkswagen."
Toyota GR Corolla
"Okay. So far include a toy to G.R. Corolla. No thanks to talking to Jason."
Toyota Corolla
"Okay. So far include a toy to G.R. Corolla. No thanks to talking to Jason."
Toyota GR Yaris
"No thanks to talking to Jason. You remember about his G.R. Yaris. Yep."
Toyota Prius
"...could be really cool. But it has the same sort of Prius shifter. The different Lexified interior that is ..."
Volkswagen Id3
"...And you'll notice the striking resemblance to the Volkswagen ID3, because that's pretty much what it is."
Honda Passport
"...ile we're doing curveballs, how about a new Honda Passport? He said he drove because he thought it looks awe..."
Jaguar Fpace Svr
"I'm only going to discover there's no fun there. While he's there shopping SUVs, now suddenly Jag F-Pace SVR. Something we never talked about."
Lexus GX 550
"... ten miles daily. I don't really see you buying a GX 550 for the commute options, even though it fits all ..."
Toyota Land Cruiser
"... I like the Lexus GX more than I like the current Land Cruiser for similar money. But I don't think you want Lan..."
Lotus Amira
"... I actually think, ultimately, you would like the Amira. I mean, I already love it."
Lotus Elise
"... But I think the fact that I have a raw car in my Elise. If I had the GT4, I'd be like, this is kind of a..."
Ford Mustang
"...nd builders says, why doesn't Ford make a Ford or Mustang, brand that has a Lincoln and compete with Cadill..."
Land Range Rovers
"No. And you know what, Range Rovers are? You know what?"
Lincoln Navigator
"...I, inexplicably, now would like to take a Lincoln navigator around the ring. Just to say we did it."
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