Next Alpine sports car, sleeping with the Highway Code
About this episode
Discussion revolves around the future of Alpine sports cars, particularly the upcoming electric A110. The hosts dive into the challenges and ambitions of Alpine's leadership, including plans for seven new models in seven years. They also explore the complexities of car manufacturers rebadging vehicles and the implications for brand identity and engineering. The conversation touches on the balance between innovation and reliability, especially in the context of Jaguar Land Rover's ambitious projects and how they manage engineering risks.
In the latest episode of the Autocar podcast, My Week In Cars, Steve Cropley and Matt Prior talk Alpine's future sports car, motoring books, going to sleep with the Highway Code, lightweight cars, JLR' reliability, and much more including your correspondence.
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Volkswagen Id4
"...e other week that the Ford Capri was a Volkswagen ID4, Mercedes had the pickup that was a Nissan Ormit..."
The ID.4 is a new electric SUV from Volkswagen that doesn’t use gas. It’s good for the environment and has lots of space and tech features for drivers.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that marks Volkswagen's entry into the electric vehicle market. It offers a spacious interior, modern technology, and a range of features designed to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Ford Capri
"...you mentioned the other week that the Ford Capri was a Volkswagen ID4, Mercedes had the pickup that was a Nissan Ormitsubishi..."
The Ford Capri is a classic car that Ford made, known for its sporty look and feel. It was popular in Europe and aimed to be a fun car without the high price of other sports cars.
The Ford Capri was a popular coupe produced by Ford from the 1960s to the 1980s, known for its sporty design and performance. It was marketed as a more affordable alternative to European sports cars.
Nissan Navara
"...it was a Nissan Navarra, is that what they call the pickup?"
The Nissan Navara is a type of pickup truck that Nissan makes. It's known for being tough and good for both work and outdoor activities.
The Nissan Navara is a mid-size pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capability. It is often used for both work and leisure, making it a versatile choice for many drivers.
JLR
"And actually, I wonder in the case of JLR, because we drove the Type 0-0 prototype the other week."
JLR is a company that makes luxury cars and SUVs, including brands like Jaguar and Land Rover. They are known for their high-quality vehicles.
JLR stands for Jaguar Land Rover, a British automotive company that specializes in luxury vehicles. It was formed in 2008 when Tata Motors acquired both Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...ng new to tell us about, you know, with the SVR, Range Rover Sport SV, it was this 6D suspension, the new, cl..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can handle tough roads and looks really nice inside. People like it because it’s great for both driving in the city and going off the beaten path.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and upscale features. It represents the pinnacle of Land Rover's engineering, combining performance with comfort, making it a popular choice among affluent buyers seeking adventure and elegance.
Range Rover Sport SV
"...with the SVR, Range Rover Sport SV, it was this 6D suspension,..."
The Range Rover Sport SV is a sportier version of the regular Range Rover Sport, offering better performance and luxury. It's built for people who want a more exciting driving experience while still enjoying the comfort of an SUV.
The Range Rover Sport SV is a high-performance variant of the standard Range Rover Sport, designed for enhanced driving dynamics and luxury features. It typically includes powerful engine options and advanced technology for a premium driving experience.
suspension
"the new, clever, really clever suspension. And they always keep with a Jaguar Type Zero Zero is like, well, we couldn't really find anything that works."
Suspension is what helps your car ride smoothly over bumps and turns. It's the system that connects the car's body to its wheels, making sure you have a comfortable ride.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It plays a crucial role in handling, ride comfort, and overall vehicle dynamics.
Jaguar Type
"...y clever suspension. And they always keep with a Jaguar Type Zero Zero is like, well, we couldn't really find ..."
The F-Type is a beautiful sports car from Jaguar that goes really fast and looks amazing. It’s made for people who love to drive and want something special.
The Jaguar F-Type is a high-performance sports car that embodies Jaguar's design and engineering excellence. Known for its stunning looks and powerful engine options, it appeals to enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience.
Ingenium engine
"But with JLR, they made the Ingenium engine and early diesel ones have a bit of a propensity for the timing chains to stretch a bit."
The Ingenium engine is a type of engine made by Jaguar Land Rover. It is designed to be efficient and light, but some early versions had problems with a part called the timing chain.
The Ingenium engine is a family of engines developed by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) that includes both petrol and diesel variants. They are designed to be lightweight and efficient, but early diesel versions had issues with timing chain stretch.
Land Defenders
"...t for them. Yeah, because the reason people like Defenders, people will buy a Range Rover Sport SV is becau..."
The Defender is a tough SUV that can go almost anywhere, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s built to last and is popular with people who love exploring nature.
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic off-road vehicle that has been reimagined for modern drivers while retaining its rugged charm. Known for its durability and versatility, the Defender appeals to those who value adventure and practicality in a vehicle.
Alpine A110
"...they're due to launch the electric A110 sports car and a longer wheelbase two plus two version of it."
The Alpine A110 is a small sports car that is fun to drive and has a classic look. It's known for being light and quick, making it enjoyable on the road.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and performance. It has gained popularity for its retro design and driving dynamics, appealing to enthusiasts.
Caterham
"In a way that we first saw, I don't know if you remember years ago, Lotus had a cooperation with Caterham, didn't they?"
Caterham is another British car brand that makes very light and fun sports cars, especially known for a model called the Caterham Seven, which is based on an older design from Lotus.
Caterham is a British manufacturer known for its lightweight sports cars, particularly the Caterham Seven, which is based on the original Lotus Seven design. The brand emphasizes simplicity and driving enjoyment.
Lotus
"In a way that we first saw, I don't know if you remember years ago, Lotus had a cooperation with Caterham, didn't they?"
Lotus is a car brand from the UK that makes lightweight and fast sports cars. They are famous for their good handling and racing history.
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and innovative engineering. The brand has a strong motorsport heritage and is recognized for its focus on performance and handling.
mid-engine
"They showed a car with a with a with a battery that was in effect to where a mid-engine transverse mid-engined power pack would go."
Mid-engine means the engine is placed in the middle of the car, which helps it handle better and be more balanced when driving. It's often found in sports cars for better performance.
A mid-engine layout refers to a vehicle design where the engine is located near the center of the car, typically behind the passenger compartment but in front of the rear axle. This configuration helps improve weight distribution and handling characteristics, making it popular in sports cars.
Stellantis
"A cooperation between Stellantis or between. Tavares and Lotus and it went wrong."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Peugeot. It was created when two companies joined together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known automotive brands, including Chrysler, Peugeot, and Jeep.
Renault Sport
"... may I haven't heard. I mean, Renault in various Renault Sport cars really quite a while ago. Do you remember a..."
The Renault Sport Spider is a fun little sports car that’s very light and quick. It’s designed for people who love to drive and enjoy a thrilling ride.
The Renault Sport Spider is a lightweight sports car that was produced in the late 1990s, known for its unique design and engaging driving experience. It represents Renault's foray into the sports car market and is appreciated by enthusiasts for its performance and handling.
Renault Clio
"Do you remember as a Clio that you had a modifiable engine note, for instance?"
The Renault Clio is a small car that many people use for city driving. It's known for being easy to park and having good fuel efficiency.
The Renault Clio is a popular supermini car known for its compact size and versatility. It has been produced in multiple generations since its launch in 1990, often featuring various engine options and modern technology.
V16 engine
"Yeah, but yes, I quite fancy the BRM V 16."
A V16 engine is a very powerful engine that has 16 cylinders. It's designed to make a lot of power and is usually used in fancy or fast cars.
A V16 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with 16 cylinders arranged in a V configuration. This design allows for high power output and smooth operation, often found in luxury and high-performance vehicles.
Cadillac V16
"And also like a multi big multi-cylinder via a six of V six, maybe. Yeah, but yes, I quite fancy the BRM V 16. You've ever heard that?"
The Cadillac V16 is a really old luxury car that had a huge engine with 16 cylinders, making it very powerful. It’s famous for being fancy and is a collector's item today.
The Cadillac V16 is a historic luxury car known for its powerful 16-cylinder engine and opulent design. It represents the height of American automotive engineering from the early 20th century and is often discussed for its rarity and significance in automotive history.
Cosworth
"Is that Cosworth V 16? Yeah, I believe so. That'll be a thing, wouldn't it?"
Cosworth is a company that makes powerful engines for cars, especially for racing. They are famous for their work in motorsports and have built engines for many well-known car brands.
Cosworth is a British automotive engineering company known for its high-performance engines and motorsport expertise. They have a long history of developing engines for various racing series and high-performance road cars.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
"Oh, the Aston for the Valkyrie. Yeah. And they've done the Bug."
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a super-fast car that combines a powerful engine with electric motors. It's built for speed and performance, making it one of the most advanced cars available.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a limited-production hypercar that features cutting-edge technology and a high-performance hybrid powertrain. It is designed for both road and track use, showcasing Aston Martin's engineering prowess.
conrods
"when your engine's doing 14 thousand RPM, the Conrods stretch. So you have to be you have to be careful, you know, because they come to a halt for a micro nano, what not?"
Conrods are metal rods in an engine that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. They help turn the up-and-down movement of the pistons into the spinning motion that powers the car.
Conrods, or connecting rods, are components that connect the pistons to the crankshaft in an engine. They transfer the force generated by the pistons to the crankshaft, converting linear motion into rotational motion.
RPM
"when your engine's doing 14 thousand RPM, the Conrods stretch. So you have to be you have to be careful, you know, because they come to a halt for a micro nano, what not?"
RPM means how many times the engine spins around in one minute. Higher numbers mean the engine is working faster and usually producing more power.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation every minute. Higher RPMs typically indicate higher engine speed and power output.
Formula One engines
"...with granating formula one engines being that they always let go under load and they're always pulling a huge number of RPM."
Formula One engines are super-fast engines used in racing cars. They are built to go really fast but can sometimes break because they work so hard.
Formula One engines are high-performance power units designed for racing, capable of extremely high RPMs and power outputs. They are engineered to be lightweight and efficient, but they can also be prone to failures under the intense conditions of racing.
Nissan
"It's Nissan, you know, Nissan. I mean, well established in Britain, but not a British company."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of cars. They are well-known around the world and have factories in different countries, including the UK.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. The company has a significant presence in various global markets, including the UK.
horsepower
"...why do we need any cars with a thousand horsepower on public roads..."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and overall performance.
Jaguar E-Type
"...let alone jaguars with circa double the power to weight ratio of an original E type..."
The Jaguar E-Type is a famous sports car from the 1960s known for its sleek looks and speed. Many car enthusiasts admire it for its design and history.
The Jaguar E-Type is a classic sports car produced by Jaguar from 1961 to 1975. Known for its stunning design and performance, it is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
power to weight ratio
"...let alone jaguars with circa double the power to weight ratio of an original E type..."
Power to weight ratio compares how powerful a car's engine is to how heavy the car is. A lighter car with a strong engine will usually be faster and more agile.
Power to weight ratio is a measure of performance that compares the power of a vehicle's engine to its weight. A higher ratio generally means better acceleration and handling, as the vehicle has more power available for each unit of weight.
BMW 320d
"...who's driven to from Southampton to Venice in a BMW 320d across the Alps and in winter, answers, please, says Steve."
The BMW 320d is a model of the BMW 3 Series that usually has a diesel engine. It's known for being efficient and good for long trips.
The BMW 320d is a variant of the BMW 3 Series, known for its balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It typically features a diesel engine, making it popular for long-distance driving.
Lamborghini Countach
"...four hundred and fifty five horsepower Lamborghini to Countach laps around Castle, Coon and the car was so good..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous sports car that looks very unique and has doors that open upwards. It's known for being very fast and powerful.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors, produced from the 1970s to the early 1990s. It features a powerful V12 engine and is celebrated for its performance and design.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"will be going, oh, my goodness, look how look how well the rear end of that. Fiat Cincacento has stood up against the latest Mercedes E-Class. And you think, yeah, that's not that's not that's nothing to do"
The E-Class is a stylish and comfortable car that feels very nice to drive. It has lots of cool features and is great for people who want a luxury experience.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a mid-size luxury sedan that balances performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It is known for its elegant design and high-quality interior, making it a favorite among business professionals and luxury car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz Aclass
"back of my father-in-law's car. He had a Mercedes A-Class. I can't remember what the car that ran at the back of it was,"
The A-Class is a smaller, fancy car from Mercedes that’s great for city driving. It has a nice interior and lots of tech, making it a good choice for younger people.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury hatchback or sedan that offers a blend of style, performance, and advanced technology. It serves as an entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, appealing to younger buyers looking for a premium vehicle.
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