About this episode
A listener's question about the relevance of Vauxhall sparks a lively discussion on the brand's history and current identity within the Stellantis group. Richard and Johnny explore Vauxhall's past independence, its transformation into a rebadged Opel, and the challenges of maintaining brand individuality in a large conglomerate. They also share amusing anecdotes about interesting finds in second-hand cars, including a listener's unique Volvo purchase and the quirks of owning an S2000 with engine troubles. The episode is filled with humor and insightful commentary on the automotive landscape.
Jonny and Richard answer listeners’ questions about the point of Vauxhall, things found in second hand cars, and what to do with a broken Honda S2000.
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Vauxhall
"What is the point of Vauxhall? Oh gosh. Through my extensive research, brackets 45 seconds on Wikipedia, I've confirmed that they've essentially been rebadged opals since the early 80s."
Vauxhall is a car brand from the UK that makes different types of vehicles. It is now part of a larger company called Stellantis.
Vauxhall is a British automotive brand that has been known for producing a range of vehicles. It has been part of the Stellantis group, which was formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Stellantis
"because they are part of the Stalantis."
Stellantis is a big car company that owns many different car brands, including Vauxhall and Opel. It was created by merging two other companies.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. It encompasses a wide range of car brands, including Vauxhall and Opel.
Milbrook test track
"...it had its own test track that was bloody massive. Milbrook is still there. It's got a high speed bowl."
Milbrook is a special track in the UK where car companies test their vehicles. It has different areas for testing cars at high speeds and other conditions.
Milbrook is a well-known automotive test track in the UK, featuring various circuits including a high-speed bowl. It is used by manufacturers for vehicle testing and development.
Citroen
"What is the point of them when you could probably get an equivalent Peugeot or Citroen maybe for a bit less money?"
Citroen is a French car brand that makes a variety of cars, often focusing on comfort and unique designs.
Citroen is another French automotive manufacturer, also part of the Stellantis group. It is known for its innovative designs and comfort-oriented vehicles.
Peugeot RIFTER
"...e, actually. The Peugeot, what's the sort of the rifter? Do you know that?"
The Peugeot Rifter is a roomy car that can carry a lot of people or stuff, making it great for families or trips. It was made to be flexible, so you can use it for different kinds of activities. People like to talk about it because it's practical and comfortable.
The Peugeot Rifter is a versatile multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that offers spacious interiors and practicality for families or those needing extra cargo space. Launched in 2018, it is designed to cater to a wide range of uses, from daily commuting to outdoor adventures. The Rifter is often discussed for its functionality and comfort.
electric car
"...if you needed just a very functional boxy electric car, that feels like a bargain. But I was really curious."
An electric car runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment and can save you money on fuel costs.
An electric car is a vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
Citroën
"...And there's a Citroen version. Out of curiosity, I just had a look to see if they were all doing the same deal and they weren't."
Citroën is a car brand from France that makes many different types of cars, including electric ones. They are known for their unique designs and technology.
Citroën is a French automobile manufacturer known for its innovative designs and technology. It produces a variety of vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, and electric models.
Renault
"And I guess if you look at what Renault has done, Renault has really, I think, dug deep and gone, let's look backwards a little, but let's make the desirable, interesting..."
Renault is a car company from France that makes many types of vehicles. They are known for their unique designs and technology.
Renault is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to commercial vehicles. The brand has a strong heritage and is recognized for its innovative designs and technology.
Peugeot 504S
"and stayed but famously quite tough, sort of 504s and things like that. And then they became styli..."
The Peugeot 504 is an older car that was made a long time ago and is known for being very tough and comfortable to drive. It was popular in many countries and is remembered for its classic style. People like to talk about it because it has a good reputation for lasting a long time.
The Peugeot 504 is a classic car produced from 1968 to 1983, known for its robustness and comfortable ride. It gained a reputation for reliability and was widely used in various markets around the world, making it an iconic model in Peugeot's history. The 504 is often discussed for its timeless design and strong performance.
Peugeot 205
"...who have very fond memories of 205s particularly,..."
The Peugeot 205 is a small car that was made in France and is loved by many people for its fun driving experience. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
The Peugeot 205 is a supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot from 1983 to 1998. It is known for its agile handling and was a popular choice among enthusiasts, especially in its GTI variant.
Peugeot 106S
"...but then also 106s."
The Peugeot 106 is a small car that was designed for city driving. It was made in the 1990s and is known for being easy to park and fuel-efficient.
The Peugeot 106 is a city car produced by Peugeot from 1991 to 2003. It is known for its compact size and economical performance, making it a popular choice for urban driving.
four-cylinder engine
"...Vauxhall's always used to have sort of very lusty four-cylinder engines, didn't they?"
A four-cylinder engine is a type of car engine that has four small chambers where fuel and air mix and burn to create power. These engines are usually smaller and more efficient than larger engines.
A four-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders arranged in a line or other configurations. It is known for being compact, lightweight, and fuel-efficient, making it popular in many small to mid-sized cars.
Vauxhall Astra
"...just a bog standard like 1.4-litre Astra always felt like it had a really strong engine compared to whatever Ratley Kack Ford was putting out..."
The Vauxhall Astra is a small car that many people in the UK drive. It's known for being reliable and having good engine performance, especially the four-cylinder versions.
The Vauxhall Astra is a compact car that has been popular in the UK and Europe, known for its practicality and performance. It has had various iterations since its introduction in the 1980s, often praised for its strong engine options, particularly the four-cylinder variants.
Opel Astra
"...op stuff, but just a bog standard like 1.4-litre Astra always felt like it had a really strong engine"
The Opel Astra is a small car that is easy to drive and good for everyday use. It's known for being reliable and not too expensive to maintain. People talk about it because it's a sensible choice for many drivers.
The Opel Astra is a compact car that has been in production since 1991, known for its practicality and efficient performance. It is popular in Europe for its balance of comfort, handling, and affordability, making it a common choice for everyday drivers. The Astra is often discussed for its reliability and value for money.
V10 engine
"...put a Lamborghini Gallardo V10 into the front of it and it's completely ruined the handling."
A V10 engine is a type of engine that has ten cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's used in some fast cars to provide a lot of power.
A V10 engine is a ten-cylinder engine configuration with two banks of five cylinders arranged in a V shape. This design allows for high power output and smooth operation, commonly found in high-performance sports cars.
Ford Fairlane
"When I bought my Australian Ford Fairlane, it came with the heaviest gauge length of boat chain and padlock."
The Ford Fairlane is a large car made by Ford that has been around for many years. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside.
The Ford Fairlane is a full-size car that was produced by Ford in various generations from the 1950s to the 2000s. It is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, making it popular in Australia and other markets.
Fiat Panda
"...when I bought my Panda 100 horsepower, there was a CD in the stereo..."
The Fiat Panda is a small car that's easy to drive and park, perfect for city use. The '100 horsepower' means it has a stronger engine, which helps it go faster and handle better.
The Fiat Panda is a compact city car known for its practicality and efficiency. The '100 horsepower' variant indicates a more powerful engine option for this model, making it suitable for urban driving and light adventures.
Volvo 940
"...t's got a picture of a profile picture of a Volvo 940 saloon with the outline of a world globe behind ..."
The Volvo 940 is a sturdy car that was made in the 1990s and is known for being very safe and lasting a long time. It has a simple, boxy shape that many people recognize. It's talked about because it's one of those cars that just keeps going and going.
The Volvo 940 is a mid-size car produced from 1990 to 1998, known for its durability and safety features. It represents Volvo's commitment to building reliable vehicles that can withstand the test of time, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of classic cars. The 940 is often discussed for its boxy design and reputation for longevity.
Volvo EX30
"...we were talking about the Volvo EX30, and I'd seen a couple of people sort of visibly having problems operating the EX30s because of the quite infamous electronic and software issues that car has suffered..."
The Volvo EX30 is a new electric car from Volvo. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has some modern features, but some owners have reported problems with its software and electronics.
The Volvo EX30 is an electric SUV that represents Volvo's commitment to electrification and sustainability. It features advanced technology and is part of a growing trend towards electric vehicles in the automotive market.
over-the-air updates
"...they've been releasing at least every fourth or fifth month and over-the-air updates, and the car has kept getting better."
Over-the-air updates let car companies fix problems or add new features to your car using the internet, so you don't have to go to a shop.
Over-the-air updates refer to the ability to update a vehicle's software remotely via the internet, allowing manufacturers to improve vehicle performance and add new features without requiring a physical visit to a dealership.
torque
"...he's got plenty of torque for the corners,..."
Torque is how strong the engine is at making the car move, especially when starting or going up hills. More torque means better acceleration.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, which affects how quickly a vehicle can accelerate and how well it performs at lower speeds. Higher torque can improve a car's ability to navigate corners and hills.
Honda S2000
"...who says, hi guys, I purchased a 2005 Moonrock Grey Honda S2000"
The Honda S2000 is a small sports car that seats two people. It's famous for its powerful engine and great handling, making it fun to drive.
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat sports car known for its high-revving engine and exceptional handling. Produced from 1999 to 2009, it has a reputation for being a driver's car, offering a thrilling experience on the road or track.
oil service
"So this chap said he'd carried out an oil service for him, as in for Robin before he picked up the car."
An oil service is when the old oil in the engine is replaced with new oil, and the oil filter is changed. This helps keep the engine running well and prevents damage.
An oil service involves changing the engine oil and replacing the oil filter to ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Regular oil services are crucial for maintaining engine health and performance.
oil filter
"I now know that the oil filter came loose and deposited 4 litres of oil all over the place."
An oil filter is a part of the car that keeps the engine oil clean by removing dirt and debris. If it gets loose, it can cause oil to leak out, which is bad for the engine.
The oil filter is a component that removes contaminants from engine oil, ensuring that the oil remains clean and effective in lubricating the engine. A loose or faulty oil filter can lead to oil leaks and engine damage.
limp mode
"...when on a similarly spirited run on the A331 near Farmbro, the engine went into limp mode. I had the car recovered to the local Honda specialist..."
Limp mode is what happens when a car's computer senses a problem and reduces power to protect the engine. It means you can still drive, but not very fast or far.
Limp mode is a safety feature in vehicles that limits engine power and speed to prevent further damage when a serious issue is detected. It allows the driver to get the car to a safe location or a repair shop without risking additional harm to the engine or transmission.
engine block
"...the block is cracked and the internals in bits."
The engine block is like the main body of the engine where all the important parts are located. If it gets damaged, the engine can stop working properly.
The engine block is the main structure of an engine, housing the cylinders and other essential components. A cracked block can lead to significant engine failure.
overrev
"...due to an overrev, the block is cracked and the internals in bits."
Overrev happens when you push the engine too hard, making it spin faster than it's designed to. This can break parts inside the engine.
Overrev refers to the condition when an engine is revved beyond its redline, which can cause severe damage to the engine components, including the block and internals.
Acura NSX
"...t have to do all manner of fiddling about because NSX, it's a crossway, so gearbox and things might be..."
The Acura NSX is a fast sports car that was made to be both fun to drive and practical enough for everyday use. It has a special engine located in the middle of the car, which helps it handle corners better. People talk about it because it combines luxury with speed.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car that was first introduced in the early 1990s. It is significant for its innovative use of lightweight materials and a mid-engine layout, which contributed to its agile handling and impressive performance. The NSX is often discussed for its blend of everyday usability and supercar capabilities.
Lamborghini Gallardo
"...ave of my senses and decided to put a Lamborghini Gallardo V10 into the front of it and it's completely rui..."
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a super fancy sports car that is really fast and has a loud engine. It's famous for its sharp looks and is one of the most popular cars made by Lamborghini. People love to talk about it because it's a symbol of luxury and speed.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a luxury sports car that was produced from 2003 to 2013 and is known for its powerful V10 engine and striking design. It played a crucial role in Lamborghini's success, becoming one of the brand's best-selling models. The Gallardo is often discussed for its performance, style, and the driving experience it offers.
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