Most American Car Debate, Quadricycles - Shift & Steer EP575
About this episode
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a lively discussion on the ultimate American car debate and the rising trend of European quadricycles. The hosts share personal holiday stories, from chaotic Los Angeles fireworks to planning a road trip through wildfire-threatened Western states. They dive into the quirky world of micro-cars, highlighting the Fiat Topolino's potential arrival in the US and the challenges of unregulated electric dirt bikes on local streets. It's a fun, conversational mix of travel plans, neighborhood antics, and unique automotive trends.
This is Shift and Steer, your quick-hit automotive news podcast.
On this episode #575:
• Brad Fanshaw's Muscle Car Tech on YouTube @TheBradFanshaw Channel
• We Debate the MOST AMERICAN; Car, Motor, Drive & More!
• Quadricycle Cars Coming Soon!
• Summer Travels
• bonspeedStreetWear.com & drinkbravago.com
Let us know your thoughts about our shows; hit us up on Instagram @ShiftSteerMedia or [email protected].
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@Bradley_Fanshaw
@bonspeed_Street_Wear
@Motorator
@AaronHagar
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quadricycle
"Have you seen these quad recycles? Like, no. Okay. No. I was looking on Jalopnik and they said that the new rage over in Europe, like in Italy and France, are quad recycles."
A quadricycle is a tiny, lightweight four-wheeled vehicle popular in Europe. They are much smaller and slower than normal cars, often driving like enclosed golf carts, and are designed for tight city streets.
In European vehicle classification, a quadricycle is a category for four-wheeled microcars with strict limits on weight, power, and top speed. They are designed as low-cost, urban mobility solutions that bridge the gap between scooters and full-sized passenger cars.
Fiat Topolino
"But I guess Fiat is already bringing, do you remember the Topolino? Yeah. Which was a huge drag car. That's how most people know the Topolino. But the Fiat Topolino, they're going to try and bring back the United States..."
The Topolino is a historic name from Fiat that originally referred to a tiny, mouse-shaped Italian car from the 1930s. Today, Fiat has brought the name back for an adorable, ultra-compact electric city car designed for short urban trips.
The original Fiat Topolino, produced from 1936 to 1955, was one of the smallest and most famous Italian economy cars of its era, powered by a tiny front-mounted engine. Fiat has revived the historic nameplate for a modern, fully electric heavy quadricycle based on the Citroën Ami platform.
Chevrolet Corvette
"You got to go with Corvette. You know what? I'm with you on that one because that is the first one that came to my mind because there's so many great American cars, but the Corvette is quintessentially it's American."
The Corvette is a famous American sports car made by Chevrolet. It is known for its sleek styling, powerful V8 engine, and for being much more affordable than European supercars.
The Chevrolet Corvette is America's quintessential sports car, introduced in 1953 and celebrated for bringing high-performance fiberglass-bodied design to the mainstream. Traditionally featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V8 layout, it transitioned to a mid-engine configuration with the eighth-generation (C8) model.
Ford Mustang
"...u can, you can go with something like a Camaro or Mustang, but the Corvette to me was always sort of built ..."
The Mustang is a highly popular sports car made by Ford. It features a running horse logo on the front instead of the usual Ford badge.
The Ford Mustang is the original 'pony car', creating a new class of sporty, affordable coupes when it debuted in 1964. It is one of Ford's most famous and longest-running nameplates, celebrated for bringing high performance to the general public.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...is like you can, you can go with something like a Camaro or Mustang, but the Corvette to me was always sor..."
The Camaro is a sporty, two-door car made by Chevrolet. It is famous for being fast, loud, and having a muscular look.
The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic American pony car introduced in 1967 to compete directly with the Ford Mustang. Known for its sporty styling and powerful V8 engine options, it has been a staple of American performance culture across six generations.
AMC Javelin
"...can motor? And I don't mean the guys who made the Javelin. Okay."
The Javelin is a vintage sporty car made by a company called AMC. It was designed to look fast and compete with other popular sports cars of the late 1960s.
The AMC Javelin is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive pony car built by the American Motors Corporation from 1967 to 1974. It was AMC's stylish competitor to the Mustang and Camaro, achieving notable success in Trans-Am racing.
small block Chevy
"But when you, when you come down to it, just like small block Chevy, just a Chevy 350, it's just like the most American, it's the meat and potatoes that kind of started, not really started at all, but kind of made it like the mainstream."
The small-block Chevy is a legendary V8 engine that has powered millions of cars and trucks since the 1950s. It is incredibly popular because it is cheap to buy, easy to fix, and can easily be modified to make a lot of power.
The Chevrolet small-block engine is a family of V8 automobile engines produced by General Motors from 1955 to 2003. Known for its compact pushrod design, high power-to-weight ratio, and immense aftermarket support, it is widely considered the most influential and customized engine in hot rodding history.
flathead V8
"Flathead V8. I mean, when we got to the flathead V8, when you think of the cars of the 30s that had those first flathead V8s, cars finally went fast."
The flathead V8 is an old-school engine design made famous by Ford in the 1930s. It got its name because the tops of the cylinder heads are completely flat, and it helped make fast, powerful cars affordable for everyday people.
The Ford flathead V8, introduced in 1932, was the first mass-produced, affordable V8 engine for the general public. It features a cylinder head design where the valves are located in the engine block next to the pistons rather than above them, making it a foundational engine for early American hot rodding.
Ford F150
"Well, you got to say F-150. Do you have to say that? I would. I have to say that."
The Ford F-150 is the most popular pickup truck in America. It has been sold for generations and is famous for being a tough work truck that can also be optioned with high-tech luxury features.
The Ford F-150 is a light-duty pickup truck that has been a cornerstone of the American automotive landscape since its introduction as part of the F-Series in 1948. It has held the title of the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades, evolving from a basic work tool into a highly advanced, luxury-capable family vehicle.
Chevrolet C10
"No. Okay, the Chevy C-10. I like it, but not the most American."
The C10 is an older, classic pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It is very popular today for people who like to restore and customize vintage trucks.
The Chevrolet C10 is a classic half-ton, rear-wheel-drive pickup truck produced by General Motors from 1960 to 1987. It is highly celebrated in the custom truck community for its clean styling, comfortable ride, and ease of modification.
Ford Ranger
"...d my 22 F-150 and see how once the size of a Ford Ranger is today. Yes."
The Ranger is a medium-sized pickup truck built by Ford. It is designed to be smaller and easier to park than the giant F-150 truck.
The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that returned to the North American market in 2019 after a brief hiatus. Modern generations have grown significantly in size, matching the footprint of older full-size trucks while offering modern turbocharged powertrains.
Ford Fseries
"second. So this, so your question is interesting because I associate Ford truck, Ford F-series, Ford trucks as the most American, but Chevrolet truck seems to be the most used in country"
The F-Series is Ford's lineup of pickup trucks, including the highly popular F-150. It is used by millions of people for work, towing, and daily driving.
The Ford F-Series is a series of light and medium-duty trucks produced by Ford since 1948. The F-150, its most famous variant, has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades, serving as a benchmark for utility, towing, and modern truck luxury.
Volkswagen Bus
"Well, yeah. Well, they go from a van to a bus to then a really nice bus, then a jet, then later..."
The VW Bus is a boxy, vintage van made by Volkswagen. It is famous for its flat front end, round headlights, and association with the hippie movement.
The Volkswagen Bus, officially known as the Type 2, is a forward-control light commercial vehicle introduced in 1950. It became a global symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement and is highly prized today by collectors for its iconic design.
Cadillac El Dorado
"It's a real famous country cowboy star, and it was pretty crazy. The, I think it was a Cadillac, El Dorado? For me, growing up, the most famous Cadillac was Boss Hog."
The Eldorado is a very large, high-end luxury car made by Cadillac. It was designed to show off wealth and comfort, often featuring lots of shiny chrome trim.
The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car that represented the pinnacle of American automotive opulence and styling excess for several decades. Famous for its massive tailfins in the late 1950s and its long, front-wheel-drive personal luxury coupe format in later generations.
Cadillac El
"It's a real famous country cowboy star, and it was pretty crazy. The, I think it was a Cadillac, El Dorado? For me, growing up, the most famous Cadillac was Boss Hog."
The ELR is a rare, sporty two-door car made by Cadillac that runs on electricity and has a gas engine to help charge the battery when it runs low.
The Cadillac ELR is a luxury plug-in hybrid coupe produced for the 2014 and 2016 model years. Based on the Chevrolet Volt powertrain, it wrapped advanced range-extender electric technology in a striking, high-end Cadillac exterior design.
Ford Model T
"The Model T. I mean, we had a model A, but the Model T all of a sudden was just. It may be the average man could now afford a vehicle."
The Model T was the first car that was cheap enough for regular working families to buy. Built by Henry Ford using a factory assembly line, it replaced horses and changed how the world traveled.
The Ford Model T, produced by Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927, is widely regarded as the car that revolutionized the global automotive industry. By utilizing moving assembly line production, Henry Ford made the Model T affordable for middle-class Americans, fundamentally changing transportation and urban planning.
Jeep
"But another one that helped change the course of history is the Jeep. Yeah, because without the Jeep, World War Two may, you know, I mean, seriously, may not have been one..."
Jeep is a famous brand of rugged SUVs and off-road vehicles. It started as a tough military vehicle used in World War II and became beloved by civilians who wanted to drive on rough dirt trails.
Jeep is an American automobile brand specializing in off-road capable SUVs and utility vehicles. Originating as a rugged, four-wheel-drive military vehicle developed for World War II, the brand pioneered the recreational 4x4 market and remains a global symbol of outdoor adventure.
Tesla So Model
"But think of think of a Model T. So Model A comes out. Or Model T comes out and it's 1908."
Zora Arkus-Duntov
"Another one I was going to throw out there was Zora Arkov Duntov, because we talked about the Corvette. He's the creator of the Corvette."
Zora Arkus-Duntov was a brilliant engineer who took the early Chevrolet Corvette and turned it into a fast, race-winning sports car. He is the reason the Corvette became an American icon.
Zora Arkus-Duntov was a Belgian-born American engineer often referred to as the 'Father of the Corvette.' Joining General Motors in 1953, he transformed the Corvette from a mild-mannered roadster into a true high-performance sports car by introducing V8 power, disc brakes, and advocating for a mid-engine layout.
Ford Torino
"...inking of Starsky and Hutch because it was a Ford Torino, right? No, no, actually, so listen, my initial t..."
The Torino is a mid-sized vintage car made by Ford in the late 1960s and 1970s. Some versions were built to be powerful muscle cars.
The Ford Torino is an intermediate-sized car produced by Ford between 1968 and 1976. It was available in high-performance muscle car trims, such as the Cobra, and gained pop-culture fame as the red-and-white 'Striped Tomato' in the television show Starsky & Hutch.
Dodge Charger
"...n, my initial thought was Dukes of Hazard and the Charger. But honestly, for me, because I was younger when..."
The Charger is a powerful car made by Dodge. Depending on the year, it is either a classic two-door muscle car or a modern, fast four-door sedan.
The Dodge Charger is a legendary American nameplate that has represented classic muscle cars, modern four-door performance sedans, and now next-generation electric and inline-six muscle. It is highly recognized for its aggressive styling and high-horsepower variants.
Testarossa Testarosa
"...ican car for sure, but car in general, Miami Vice Testarosa, but not American. Well, technically it was proba..."
The Testarossa is a famous, wide Italian sports car made by Ferrari. It is easily recognized by the long, horizontal slats on its doors.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a mid-engine 12-cylinder sports car produced from 1984 to 1996. Designed by Pininfarina, its dramatic side strakes and wide rear track made it the quintessential poster car of the 1980s.
Dodge Challenger
"...rk VII Lincoln that he drove. And Mannix had that Challenger that he drove, I think it was. And you know, the ..."
The Challenger is a large, two-door sports car made by Dodge. It has a vintage look that resembles cars from the 1970s.
The Dodge Challenger is a retro-styled muscle coupe that paid direct homage to its 1970s predecessor. Produced until 2023, it was famous for prioritizing straight-line speed, comfortable highway cruising, and massive supercharged V8 engines like the Hellcat.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...technically American. I think it was a Volkswagen Beetle made up to be a little bit like a McLaren. But it..."
The Beetle, often called the 'Bug', is a small, round car made by the German company Volkswagen. It is famous for its friendly, bubble-like appearance.
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most significant and best-selling automobiles of the 20th century, originally designed as an affordable, air-cooled 'people's car'. Its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout made it a global cultural icon.
Dodge Hornet
"...ving me all these movie cars. You know, the Green Hornet. Okay, there's one. Well, like how about the Myst..."
The Hornet is a small, modern SUV made by Dodge. It is designed to be a sporty and quick family vehicle for daily driving.
The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV introduced for the 2023 model year, marking Dodge's entry into the gateway performance segment. It offers turbocharged and plug-in hybrid powertrains, sharing its platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Vector W8
"A California company. They made the Vector. Oh, the Vector, yes. Do you remember that? Yeah, it was built in America. It was built in Huntington Beach, I believe..."
The Vector W8 is an incredibly rare and wild-looking American supercar from the late 1980s and early 90s. It looked like a spaceship on wheels and had a cockpit designed to look like a fighter jet.
The Vector W8 is an ultra-rare American supercar produced by Vector Aeromotive Corporation from 1989 to 1993. Designed by Jerry Wiegert, it featured aerospace-grade materials, a futuristic fighter-jet-inspired interior with digital screens, and a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet-derived V8 engine producing over 600 horsepower.
Ford Falcon
"... was kind of the first like. I think it went to a Falcon V12, didn't it? Which was an American made motor...."
The Falcon is an older, sensible family car made by Ford starting in 1960. It was designed to be smaller and more affordable than standard cars of that era.
The Ford Falcon was a highly successful compact car produced by Ford in the 1960s, serving as the mechanical platform that spawned the original Mustang. While discontinued in North America in 1970, the Falcon nameplate continued for decades as a legendary performance sedan in Australia.
Lamborghini Mura
".... Did it have the 12? I think it started with the Lamborghini Mura 12. Oh, that's what all those Lamborghini Mura sh..."
The Miura is a classic, beautiful Italian sports car from the 1960s. It is famous for placing its powerful engine in the middle of the car rather than the front.
The Lamborghini Miura, produced between 1966 and 1973, is widely considered the world's first true supercar. It revolutionized high-performance car design with its mid-mounted V12 engine oriented transversely behind the passenger cabin.
Lamborghini Diablo
"...ini Mura shells in the back of the shop were. The Diablo. It had a Diablo V12 in it. And then it had, I fo..."
The Diablo is an extremely fast, low-slung, and expensive Italian sports car. It has doors that open upwards instead of outwards.
The Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance mid-engine supercar produced between 1990 and 2001. It was the first Lamborghini capable of exceeding 200 miles per hour, powered by a legendary, roaring V12 engine.
W8 Vector W8
"...here's our Boyd wheels right there, man. Okay. Is vector W8? Yes. So, all right. Well, I'm going to tone it w..."
The W8 is a very rare, wedge-shaped supercar built in America. It looks like a spaceship and has a dashboard that resembles a jet fighter cockpit.
The Vector W8 is an extremely rare, futuristic American supercar produced by Vector Aeromotive from 1989 to 1993. It utilized aerospace-grade materials, a twin-turbocharged V8, and a fighter-jet-inspired cockpit design.
Hyundai Grandeur
"... away and, but she has like, she has delusions of grandeur. She has, you know, like, you know, like Mike has..."
The Grandeur is a large, premium sedan made by Hyundai. It is designed to offer a very quiet, comfortable, and high-tech ride for passengers.
The Hyundai Grandeur is a mid-size luxury sedan that has served as Hyundai's flagship model in South Korea since 1986. While sold in North America previously as the Azera, the modern generations showcase Hyundai's most advanced technology and bold, futuristic styling.
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