Our Favorite Cars of 2025
About this episode
Kicking off 2026, hosts Hannah Elliott and Matt Miller discuss their favorite cars from 2025, highlighting the Mercedes AMG GT 63 SE Performance as a standout for its impressive power and livability. They delve into the nuances of car preferences, comparing it to the Porsche 911 Turbo S and reflecting on the evolving landscape of luxury cars. The episode also features listener emails discussing analog versus digital features in cars, with insights on the importance of simplicity and user experience in modern vehicles. Expect engaging debates and personal anecdotes from the automotive world.
In our first episode of the new year, Matt Miller and Hannah Elliott talk about the favorite cars they drove in 2025 and what made them so special. Plus, we dig into the mailbag for a handful of super helpful listener emails.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
"I also saw him driving his huge white silver cloud rose Rolls Royce, which he famously drives around town, just cruising with the top off."
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a very fancy car made by Rolls-Royce a long time ago. It's known for being really luxurious and stylish, often seen as a symbol of wealth.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a luxury car produced by Rolls-Royce from 1955 to 1966. Known for its elegant design and powerful V8 engine, it symbolizes classic British luxury and craftsmanship.
Ford Flathead V8
"...the Eliminator, I can't remember if that was the song or the record. He has this like Flathead, Ford Flathead V8 Coop."
The Ford Flathead V8 is a type of engine made by Ford that was popular in older cars. It was one of the first V8 engines and is often used in classic cars and hot rods.
The Ford Flathead V8 is an iconic engine produced by Ford from 1932 to 1953. It was one of the first mass-produced V8 engines and is known for its simple design and ease of modification, making it popular in hot rod culture.
Nissan Cube
"It might have been a Nissan Cube. Oh my goodness. I don't."
The Nissan Cube is a small car that looks like a box. It's known for being roomy inside and has a unique style that some people really like.
The Nissan Cube is a compact car known for its distinctive boxy shape and spacious interior. It was produced from 1998 to 2014 and is often associated with quirky design and practicality.
Pontiac Aztek
"And there's the Aztec. Is that in Breaking Bad?"
The Pontiac Aztek is a unique-looking SUV that was made by the Pontiac brand. It's known for its unusual style and was produced in the early 2000s.
The Pontiac Aztek is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Pontiac from 2001 to 2005, known for its distinctive and polarizing design.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
"Like a G-Wagon is a cube, essentially. Yes, sure. It's a lot different than famously doesn't have a bunch of leg room."
The G-Wagon is a luxury SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. It's known for its square shape and ability to drive off-road, making it popular among celebrities and wealthy individuals.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, commonly known as the G-Wagon, is a luxury SUV known for its boxy design and off-road capabilities. It has become an iconic vehicle, often associated with wealth and status.
Fiat / 2100 Familiare
"but is also yes. And then there's the Fiat Dupla. My wife's favorite car in Europe is the F..."
Fiat Multipla
"Sorry, it's a multipla, multipla Google Fiat, multipla, not Dupla. And you'll know. Oh, my goodness."
The Fiat Multipla is a small family car that looks very different from most cars. It has a unique design that some people find unattractive, but it has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Fiat Multipla is a compact MPV known for its distinctive and unconventional design, which has garnered both criticism and a cult following. It was produced from 1998 to 2010 and is often noted for its spacious interior and unique styling.
Waymo
"And Matt, I don't think you've been in a Waymo yet. Have you? I have been in a Waymo in Austin, which was a Jag, I think."
Waymo is a company that makes cars that can drive themselves without a human driver. They are working on technology to make transportation safer and more efficient.
Waymo is a self-driving technology company that develops autonomous vehicles and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. They are known for their work in the field of autonomous ride-hailing services.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance
"It was from Mercedes, the Mercedes AMG GT 63 SE performance. It's a hybrid."
This car is a fast and luxurious sedan from Mercedes that uses both a gasoline engine and electric power to deliver great performance.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance is a high-performance luxury sports sedan that combines a powerful V8 engine with hybrid technology, offering impressive power and efficiency.
hybrid
"It's a hybrid. It's an all wheel drive."
A hybrid car has two types of power: a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor, which helps it use less fuel.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
V8 engine
"It's got a backseat over 800 horsepower V8 engine. I really liked it."
A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders, which helps the car go really fast and gives it a lot of power.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, known for delivering high power and performance, commonly found in sports and luxury cars.
Porsche 911
"... liked it. And I want to put it in relief to the 911 because I don't think they don't as we've discus..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that looks really cool and drives fast. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many people for its performance and style.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been a benchmark for performance and handling in the sports car segment since its introduction in the 1960s, making it a frequent topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
"...it has, that is most competitive with like a 911 Turbo S, which costs 70, 70 grand more."
The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a super-fast version of the regular 911 that has a turbo engine, which helps it go even faster. It's a mix of luxury and speed, perfect for people who want the best of both worlds.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a high-performance version of the 911, featuring a turbocharged engine that delivers exceptional speed and acceleration. It combines luxury with cutting-edge technology, making it a top choice for those seeking both performance and comfort.
Bugatti
"...you have to compare it to like really a Koenigsegg or a Bugatti to get those kind of Lamborghini to get those kind of power and torque numbers."
Bugatti is a famous car brand from France that makes some of the fastest and most expensive cars in the world.
Bugatti is a French luxury automotive brand known for its high-performance sports cars, particularly the Veyron and Chiron, which are among the fastest production cars in the world.
Koenigsegg
"...you have to compare it to like really a Koenigsegg or a Bugatti to get those kind of Lamborghini to get those kind of power and torque numbers."
Koenigsegg is a car brand from Sweden that makes very fast and expensive cars, often called hypercars.
Koenigsegg is a Swedish manufacturer known for producing high-performance hypercars, often featuring advanced technology and extreme speed capabilities.
desert sand color
"And I think we should talk about this desert sand color that is really, really polarizing and costs. If I'm remembering right, another almost $14,000 to option."
Desert sand color is a type of paint that some cars can have. It's a special color that not everyone likes, and it can make the car more expensive.
Desert sand color is a specific paint option offered by some car manufacturers, including Mercedes. It is known for its unique and often polarizing appearance, which can significantly increase the vehicle's cost.
Chevy Silverado ZR2
"...I bought a Chevy Silverado ZR2 mine in the beautiful blue, but they did have that same color. And a lot of people liked it..."
The Chevy Silverado ZR2 is a tough pickup truck made for driving on rough terrain. It has special features that help it handle off-road conditions better than regular trucks.
The Chevy Silverado ZR2 is a high-performance variant of the Silverado pickup truck, designed for off-road capability and rugged use. It features enhanced suspension, a more powerful engine, and various off-road technologies.
Ferrari Amalfi
"...we did get this great email after this, the Ferrari Amalfi review came out. Someone emailed me and said, this car is so much more expensive and looks already outdated compared to the sports cars that are being made in China."
The Ferrari Amalfi is a fancy sports car made by Ferrari. It's known for being expensive and stylish, often compared to other sports cars.
The Ferrari Amalfi is a luxury sports car known for its design and performance. It represents the high-end market of sports cars, often compared to other vehicles in terms of price and features.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"... an engine in the back. I drove the Aston Martin vanquish, which I absolutely thought was beautiful, but i..."
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a beautiful luxury car that's really fast and has a powerful engine. It's made for people who want to drive in style while enjoying a thrilling ride.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a luxury grand tourer known for its elegant design and powerful V12 engine. It combines performance with sophistication, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate both style and speed.
Carrera T
"if I let her rip, like it's still just too expensive for what a Carrera T is philosophically supposed to be."
The Carrera T is a special version of the Porsche 911 that is lighter and designed for people who want a more focused driving experience. It has fewer extra features to keep it simple and sporty.
The Carrera T is a variant of the Porsche 911 that emphasizes a lightweight and purist driving experience. It typically features fewer luxury options and focuses on performance and handling.
bore scoring
"...but it did have and it does have bore scoring issues as well. So you have to be careful when you're buying a 997.1."
Bore scoring is when the inside of an engine's cylinder gets scratched or damaged, which can cause the engine to not work properly. It's something to watch out for when buying certain Porsches.
Bore scoring refers to the wear and damage that can occur in the cylinder walls of an engine, particularly in some Porsche engines. This issue can lead to reduced performance and engine failure if not addressed.
Porsche 981
"...the 981 motor that's in then the 991.1. And it doesn't even have an intermediate shaft bearing..."
The Porsche 981 is a version of the Boxster sports car made from 2012 to 2016, known for its stylish design and better performance.
The Porsche 981 refers to the generation of the Porsche Boxster produced from 2012 to 2016. It introduced a new design and improved performance features compared to its predecessor.
direct injection
"...it doesn't have bore scoring issues and its direct injection. So it offers more power and better efficiency."
Direct injection is a way of getting fuel into an engine that helps it run better and use less gas. However, it can sometimes cause problems like buildup inside the engine.
Direct injection is a fuel delivery system where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber of the engine, allowing for more precise control of the fuel-air mixture. This can lead to increased power and efficiency but may also introduce certain issues, such as carbon buildup.
Porsche Cayman
"...Jersey, the guy that did Matt Farah's Boxer or or Cayman or whatever. He he'll rebuild your engine to a f..."
The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car that sits lower to the ground and has its engine in the middle, which helps it handle really well. It's a great option for people who want a fun driving experience without spending as much as a 911.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that offers a balance of performance and handling, often considered a more affordable alternative to the 911. It has gained popularity for its sharp driving dynamics and sleek design, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
four liter
"...he'll rebuild your engine to a four liter."
A four liter engine means the engine has a total size of four liters, which usually means it can produce more power than smaller engines.
A four liter engine refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. A larger displacement typically indicates more power and torque, enhancing performance.
Porsche classic radio
"...he said, you can put a Porsche classic radio. That's what he put in one of his."
The Porsche classic radio is a new stereo system made for older Porsche cars. It looks like the original radio but has modern features like Bluetooth, so you can play music from your phone.
The Porsche classic radio is a modern audio system designed to fit classic Porsche models, providing updated technology while maintaining the original aesthetic. It allows owners to enjoy modern features like Bluetooth connectivity without compromising the vintage look of their cars.
Porsche Carrera
"He has a Carrera and a turbo. He had a great idea from Porsche."
The Porsche Carrera is a type of sports car made by Porsche, famous for being fast and stylish. It's part of the 911 series, which is one of their most popular models.
The Porsche Carrera is a model within the Porsche 911 lineup, known for its performance and iconic design. It typically features a rear-engine layout and is available in various configurations.
head unit
"But I've already decided when slash if I get this vehicle, I'm going to get rid of the screen navigation screen head unit completely in the dash..."
The head unit is the part of the car where you control the music and navigation. It's like the car's main entertainment system.
The head unit is the main control device in a car's audio and entertainment system. It typically includes features for radio, navigation, and media playback.
Porsche 911 GT3
"...ash and replace it with just an open cubby like a GT3 cubby. And then you hide the electronics like in..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super-fast version of the 911 made for people who love racing. It's built to be lightweight and handle really well on the track, making it a favorite among serious car fans.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the 911, designed for track enthusiasts and known for its naturally aspirated engine and precise handling. It represents the pinnacle of Porsche's engineering, focusing on lightweight construction and driving dynamics.
Metzger engine
"has the last Metzger engine for turbos for the turbos in 997.2. They went with the 999 one turbo, which is different."
The Metzger engine is a type of powerful engine made by Porsche, known for being very reliable, especially in their turbo cars. It was used in some 911 models.
The Metzger engine refers to a series of high-performance engines developed by Porsche, particularly known for their robustness and reliability in turbocharged applications. The last of these engines were used in the 997.1 generation of the Porsche 911.
turbo lag
"is there like real turbo lag? And he said, yeah, you know, when you put the pedal down, like it it will take a moment and then kick you."
Turbo lag is the time it takes for a turbocharger to start working after you press the gas pedal. You might feel a little delay before the car speeds up.
Turbo lag is the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing increased power. This occurs because the turbo needs time to spool up and generate boost, which can affect acceleration.
software defined luxury
"The subject line is a quick thought on analog cars and software defined luxury. And this is great because it actually touches on a couple of pieces that we've done."
Software defined luxury means that the luxury of a car is now more about the technology and software features it has, rather than just how nice the materials inside are. It's about how smart and connected the car is.
Software defined luxury refers to the increasing importance of software and technology in defining what makes a car luxurious, rather than traditional elements like materials and craftsmanship. This trend highlights how modern vehicles rely heavily on digital features and connectivity to enhance the driving experience.
Chevrolet Corvette
"... Yeah. Well, he says, look, I have a 25 year old Corvette. He loves it, but he doesn't drive it that much."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that looks great and goes really fast. It's been around for a long time and is popular because it offers a lot of power for the price.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an American sports car that has become a symbol of performance and style since its debut in the 1950s. Known for its powerful engines and distinctive design, the Corvette is often discussed for its value and performance compared to European sports cars.
manual transmission
"...I nonetheless, I still want three pedals. Like there's no situation in which I would prefer a PDK to a manual transmission."
A manual transmission is when you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It can make driving feel more engaging and gives you more control over the car.
A manual transmission is a type of gearbox that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This gives the driver more control over the vehicle's power and performance.
automatic transmission
"I don't want an automatic transmission if I can avoid it. Now, you can't in a Corvette these days or you can't in the Mercedes AMG GT."
An automatic transmission is a type of car gearbox that shifts gears for you, so you don't have to do it yourself. This makes driving easier, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on steering and acceleration without needing to manually shift gears. This is in contrast to a manual transmission, where the driver must shift gears manually.
analog gauges
"But I would prefer having analog gauges in every scenario. I would prefer having a handbrake over an electronic parking brake in every single scenario."
Analog gauges are the traditional type of car dashboard displays that use needles to show things like speed and fuel level. Some drivers prefer them over digital displays because they find them easier to read.
Analog gauges display information using physical needles and dials, providing a traditional and often preferred method of reading vehicle metrics such as speed and engine RPM.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
"...nt, who wrote in and said he converted his son's GTI from digital buttons to manual. They got an afte..."
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty version of a regular car called the Golf. It's fun to drive and has a lot of space inside, making it a great choice for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a performance-oriented version of the standard Golf hatchback, known for its sporty handling and practicality. It has a strong following among enthusiasts for its fun driving experience and versatility as a daily driver.
Chevrolet Corvette Eray
"And that and by the way, I keep thinking about batteries in the same way, right? So I love the the Corvette E-Ray, which has a little electric motor in the front and a tiny little 1.9 kilowatt hour battery."
The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is a new version of the Corvette that uses both gas and electricity to go faster and save fuel. It's a modern take on a classic sports car, blending old and new technology.
The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is a hybrid version of the classic Corvette, combining a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved performance and efficiency. It represents a new direction for the Corvette lineup, integrating modern technology with the iconic sports car design.
Porsche Carrera GT
"...t's fantastic, dude. No, we'll ask him about the Carrera GT. Can how much further can it appreciate in value..."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a rare and super-fast car that many people dream of owning. It's built with high-quality materials and has a really powerful engine, making it special among car lovers.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a limited-production supercar known for its exceptional performance and engineering excellence. With a focus on lightweight construction and a powerful V10 engine, it has become a sought-after collector's item.
Ford Gt
"... have an F1 motor in it? We'll ask him about his Ford GT, which is my favorite car that he owns. We'll as..."
The Ford GT is a really fast and cool-looking sports car that is inspired by a famous race car from the past. It's built to be super powerful and is a symbol of Ford's racing heritage.
The Ford GT is a high-performance supercar that pays homage to the legendary Ford GT40 race cars of the 1960s. With its striking design and advanced engineering, it represents Ford's commitment to performance and innovation.
Lamborghini Countach
"...l ask him that as well. And he has a Lamborghini Countach that apparently has to keep going back at the sho..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous supercar that looks really unique and has a lot of power. It's known for its cool design and is a favorite among car fans from the 1980s.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its radical design and powerful performance, often considered a symbol of 1980s automotive excess. Its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors have made it an icon in car culture.
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