S2 Ep38: Does EV Ownership Make You Less Of A Petrolhead? (And Clarkson Shock News)

The Volvo V60 is a mid-size wagon (estate) known for comfort, practicality, and modern tech features. In the podcast, it’s mentioned specifically in relation to fitting Android Auto, which highlights how owners may update or add smartphone integration. It’s discussed because it’s a real-world family/commuter car that can still be customized.

The Ford Sierra 3-door is a version of the Sierra that uses a three-door body style, and it’s mentioned alongside the Sierra Cosworth. The podcast highlights it as something that stood out to someone’s eyes, which suggests it’s being remembered for its design and enthusiast appeal. It’s discussed because the Sierra line has a strong following, especially in performance trims.

The Lotus Carlton refers to the rare Opel/Vauxhall Carlton engineered by Lotus for high-performance driving. It’s a notable “sleeper” classic because it blends a family-saloon body with serious tuning and a strong enthusiast following.

The Triumph Spitfire is a classic British roadster known for its small, lightweight feel and open-top driving. It’s a popular “starter classic” because it’s relatively simple and has a big enthusiast community.

The Aston Vantage is Aston Martin’s performance-focused model line, known for combining a grand-touring feel with real sports-car dynamics. It’s a standout at classic shows because it represents the brand’s “driver’s Aston” identity rather than just luxury.

The BMW 635 CSI is a 6 Series grand tourer from BMW, part of the E24-era lineup. It’s mentioned here as a rare sight, which points to how uncommon that specific classic BMW model is on the road compared with more common BMWs.

The Range Rover is a luxury SUV from Land Rover, built for comfort and off-road capability. The podcast mentions taking a Range Rover and notes missing features like air conditioning in a comparison context, which highlights how these cars can vary by spec. It’s discussed because it’s a common choice when someone wants a premium, versatile SUV.

Compression rings are piston rings that sit in grooves on the piston and seal the combustion chamber. Their job is to keep high-pressure combustion gases from leaking into the crankcase, which helps power and prevents oil contamination.

Piston rings are the sealing rings mounted on the piston. In this context, they’re being discussed because a broken ring land/piece can indicate poor installation during a rebuild or a manufacturing defect in the piston/rings.

A rebuild is an engine overhaul where internal parts are removed, inspected, and replaced or reconditioned. The hosts are linking the failure to either incorrect installation during the rebuild or a manufacturing defect in the piston.

A manufacturing error is a defect introduced during production—like incorrect dimensions, material issues, or poor finishing. Here, it’s offered as an alternative cause to incorrect installation during the rebuild.

The speaker is calling out the piston’s origin/quality—implying it’s an inexpensive, likely aftermarket or lower-cost piston. In rebuild discussions, part quality matters because cheaper pistons can be more prone to defects or fitment issues.

“Suspension arms” are the linkages that connect the wheels to the car’s suspension, controlling wheel movement and alignment under load. “Cutler” here sounds like a specific brand or kit name for those arms, which matters because different aftermarket arms can change geometry, stiffness, and ride/handling feel.

“Satin black” is a paint or finish with a low-gloss, matte-like sheen. Compared with gloss black, it reflects less light, which can make bodywork look more subtle and “stealthy.”

The Nürburgring is a famous motorsport venue in Germany, best known for its Nordschleife (“North Loop”) circuit. It’s a benchmark track where drivers and automakers measure lap times and validate handling and durability under extreme conditions.

“Landau” is mentioned as a prior getaway location for the team. Without more context (city vs. event vs. track), it’s best treated as a named trip destination rather than an automotive technical subject.

This refers to a BMW 3 Series E46 (the 1998–2006 generation) that’s been modified with a “30i” setup and a supercharger. The key enthusiast angle is that it’s not stock—adding forced induction changes how the engine makes power and how it drives, and the host then gets into specific issues like braking and steering vibration.

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV, and the podcast references taking a “30i Supercharged E46” in the same conversation. That phrasing suggests the speaker is talking about a BMW setup or a specific car they were using, with the X3 name appearing in the broader discussion. It’s discussed because the X3 is a common BMW SUV choice and often comes up in owner stories.

A supercharger is a forced-induction device that uses a belt-driven compressor to push more air into the engine. More air (and fuel) generally means more potential power, and it also changes throttle response compared with a naturally aspirated setup.

A steering “vibration” usually points to a chassis or front-end imbalance issue—commonly worn suspension components, alignment problems, or wheel/tire imbalance. If it shows up under braking or at speed, it can also be related to brake rotor condition or mounting.

ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, the car’s computer that controls things like fuel delivery and ignition timing. In tuning, changing ECU settings can significantly alter how the engine runs, and this segment specifically mentions tuning the ECU live using an emulator.

In this context, an emulator is a device/software setup that mimics or interfaces with the ECU so the tuner can test changes without the usual full reflash workflow. It’s being used here to enable “live” tuning, which is unusual compared with the standard approach of flashing the ECU, rebooting, and then checking results.

“Flashing” the ECU means rewriting its software/firmware with a new calibration file. The host contrasts this with live tuning: typically you flash the ECU, power-cycle it, and only then can you test what the change did.

This describes changing the engine’s air-measurement strategy from a MAF (mass air flow) sensor to a MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor. A MAF measures how much air is entering, while a MAP infers load from pressure in the intake manifold—so the ECU’s fueling and load calculations need to be reconfigured accordingly.

The BMW E46 M3 is a performance-focused 3 Series from the E46 generation, known for its high-revving character and driver-focused chassis. In this segment, they’re talking about how much power and torque it makes, which is a common enthusiast way to compare real-world vs advertised output.

A carbon intake refers to an aftermarket air-intake component made with carbon fiber. On many cars, intake changes can alter airflow and intake sound, and sometimes improve throttle response or peak power depending on the rest of the setup.

Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it strongly influences how quickly a car accelerates, especially at lower speeds. In this segment, they’re using torque as the key metric to judge whether the car is making “enough” compared to expectations.

“500 horsepower” is a target power figure used to describe how much work an engine can do over time. They’re setting a benchmark for whether the E46 M3 (with or without the intake) is making enough output to meet their expectations.

In a turbocharged or supercharged car, boost is the extra air pressure forced into the engine. More boost usually means more air (and potentially more fuel), which can raise power—up to the point where the engine components can’t safely handle it.

PSI is another pressure unit (pounds per square inch). Converting boost from bar to psi helps you compare numbers, because many car people and gauges use psi for turbo pressure.

A tune is an engine calibration change—typically via the ECU—to alter fueling, ignition timing, boost targets, and other parameters. In this segment, they’re talking about tuning the car to reach around 400 horsepower and even changing how it’s set up (they mention a “diesel tune”).

“Air con” is short for an automotive air-conditioning system, which cools and dehumidifies cabin air. When it’s not working, owners often check refrigerant charge, sensors, and electrical connections because the system can refuse to run if it detects a fault.

To “regas” (regassed) an air-conditioning system means adding refrigerant back into the system. It’s a common first step because a low refrigerant charge can prevent cooling, but regassing won’t fix underlying sensor or wiring faults.

An air-conditioning “pressure switch” is a sensor that monitors refrigerant pressure and tells the system whether conditions are safe for operation. If the switch is faulty—or if its wiring is damaged—the car can log a fault and the air con may not work even if the system is holding refrigerant.

“Open circuit” is an electrical fault meaning the circuit is not completing—often due to a broken wire, poor connector contact, or a failed sensor. In an air-conditioning context, an open-circuit reading for the pressure switch points toward wiring or connector issues rather than refrigerant charge.

Miltek is an aftermarket exhaust brand, and a “Miltek exhaust” typically means a cat-back or axle-back system designed to change both sound and exhaust flow. Enthusiasts often choose it to get a deeper tone and more audible engine note compared with stock exhausts.

Tegawa is referenced here as the supplier or shop the host is waiting to hear back from. In enthusiast circles, Tegawa is often associated with aftermarket parts sourcing and fulfillment for performance builds.

A “stock issue” means the parts are delayed because they’re not currently available in inventory. For aftermarket exhausts and intakes, this is common when a specific batch or component is backordered.

A manifold is the part that collects gases from multiple cylinders and directs them into the exhaust system. When someone says “manifold off everything,” they usually mean removing the manifold and related components to fully access what’s behind it.

MK Motors and Son is the small business run by the host’s friend, who is involved in restoring classic BMWs. The name matters here because it frames the segment as hands-on restoration knowledge rather than generic advice.

The onboard computer is the car’s electronic control unit(s) that monitor sensors and manage functions like engine management, diagnostics, and sometimes comfort features. In older cars, these systems can be difficult to replace, so repairs like circuit-board work matter.

The blower motor is the fan that pushes air through a car’s HVAC system (heating and air conditioning). If it fails, you can lose airflow even if the rest of the system is working.

In many cars, the HVAC resistor (often called a blower resistor) controls the blower motor’s speed by regulating electrical current. Rebuilding it can restore multiple fan settings without replacing the whole unit.

Resoldering means re-melting and rejoining soldered electrical connections on circuit boards or electronic modules. It’s a common repair approach when components fail due to cracked joints or aging electronics.

Motor oil is the lubricant that reduces friction inside the engine and helps carry heat away from moving parts. “Fresh” oil typically means an oil change to restore proper lubrication and protect engine wear.

“Trader valves” here are small valve stems/adapters used to connect an air-conditioning service setup to the refrigerant lines. They’re similar in concept to tire valves because they use a one-way valve to control flow and help keep the system sealed during charging.

Holding a vacuum means the AC system stays sealed when the technician pulls out air and moisture before charging. If it can’t hold vacuum, leaks or a poor connection can let air back in, which can reduce performance and cause contamination.

The Ford Mustang is a well-known American sports car, typically associated with a powerful engine lineup and a strong enthusiast following. In the podcast, it’s mentioned while discussing getting an exhaust fitted, which points to how owners often personalize the sound and feel. It’s a frequent topic because it’s both mainstream and highly modifiable.

The Aston Martin Lagonda is a model line associated with Aston Martin’s luxury and grand-touring ambitions. In the podcast, it’s described as a car someone thought was “in front of” its time, which points to its design or concept being ahead of what people expected then. It’s discussed because it’s remembered as a distinctive, forward-looking Aston Martin.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a luxury SUV built by Rolls-Royce, known for its ultra-quiet ride and high-end craftsmanship. In this segment, it’s being criticized as not matching what people expect from a traditional Rolls-Royce—i.e., it’s framed as the “wrong” kind of vehicle for the brand’s identity.

The Aston Martin DBX is Aston Martin’s performance luxury SUV, designed to bring the brand’s style and power into a higher-riding, family-friendly format. Here it’s used as another example of a “wrong fit” SUV—suggesting it doesn’t deliver the kind of character Aston Martin fans expect.

The Subaru WRX is a rally-bred performance sedan (or “saloon”) that’s traditionally associated with Subaru’s rally heritage and driver-focused dynamics. In this segment, the “current Subaru WRX” is criticized as trying to appeal to buyers who prefer plastic-cladded crossover styling, rather than leaning into what made the WRX a rally icon.

Rocker cover gaskets seal the valve cover (often called the rocker cover) to keep engine oil from leaking. If they harden or fail, you can get oil seepage around the top of the engine and it may eventually drip onto hot components.

The Lamborghini Urus is Lamborghini’s performance SUV, built to bring supercar-style power and attitude into a four-door package. The host’s argument is about brand identity—how the Urus differs from the traditional Lamborghini two-door supercar image.

A V12 is an engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a “V” shape (two banks of six). It’s often associated with smooth power delivery and high-performance character, which is why enthusiasts treat it as part of a brand’s identity.

In car talk, a “platform” means the shared underlying architecture—things like the chassis design, mounting points, and major engineering components. When hosts say a car is “its own platform” versus “copied,” they’re talking about how much is genuinely engineered for that model versus adapted from another.

“Twin turbo” means an engine uses two turbochargers to force more air into the cylinders. That typically helps produce strong power and torque, especially compared with a similar naturally aspirated engine.

The BMW X7 is a large luxury SUV, and in this segment it’s used as a reference point for platform sharing. They’re saying the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is built on a BMW X7–derived understructure, which is why it can feel mechanically familiar.

CarVertical is a vehicle-history-report service that aggregates data (like recorded accidents and title/registration events) to help buyers spot potential problems before purchase. In this segment, it’s used to check whether the Golf GTD had been crashed.

The Volkswagen Golf GTD is a hot-diesel version of the Golf, using a turbocharged diesel engine tuned for stronger midrange torque than a regular Golf. In enthusiast circles it’s known as a practical “fast daily” alternative to petrol hot hatches.

A recorded crash date like “crashed in 2021” matters because it can indicate prior structural damage, repairs, and potential long-term effects on safety and value. Even if the report doesn’t label it as a major category, a crash history can still affect how the car was repaired and priced.

“Not categorized” suggests the vehicle-history report recorded an event (like a crash) but didn’t assign it to a specific severity or damage category. That can mean less clearly documented impact level, which may affect how confidently you can judge the repair quality from the report alone.

This is an argument for doing due diligence before committing to a purchase—using tools like vehicle-history reports to reduce the chance of buying a car with hidden issues. The key idea is that verifying history early can influence price and avoid unpleasant surprises later.

The Renault Megane RS is a hot hatch built for track-style driving, with a performance-tuned chassis and engine aimed at enthusiasts. Mentioning it as “a track Renault Megane RS” signals the speaker’s hands-on experience with a purpose-built performance car.

The Ford Mondeo is a mainstream mid-size sedan/hatchback that’s better known for practicality than for being a track car. In this segment, it’s mentioned alongside other enthusiast cars to show the host’s varied ownership history rather than as a performance-focused model.

The Lexus IS250 is a compact luxury sedan from Lexus, known for its smooth, naturally aspirated V6-era feel (depending on market) and comfort-focused driving. It’s included here as part of the speaker’s mix of ownerships, contrasting “petrolhead” credibility with more mainstream luxury choices.

The Renault Megane E-Tech is an electric version of the Megane, aimed at bringing EV practicality to a familiar compact-car shape. The podcast groups it with other cars and track-focused options, which suggests it’s being discussed in the context of performance expectations versus everyday use. It’s relevant because EVs like this are often compared on how they fit into real driving routines.

An engine swap is when an enthusiast replaces the original engine with a different engine from another model (or a different configuration entirely). It’s often done to change power, character, or parts availability, but it can also require custom mounts, wiring, and cooling work.

A straight six (inline-six) engine has all six cylinders arranged in a single line. It’s often praised for smoothness and balance because the engine’s firing order and internal geometry reduce vibration compared with many other layouts.

The Jaguar F-Type is a sports car known for its performance-focused design and, in V8 form, a traditional gasoline engine character. In this segment, the host uses the “600 horsepower” V8 F-Type as an example of a big-output petrolhead car.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204) is a performance version of the C-Class, famous in enthusiast circles for its aggressive sound and strong V8-era power. Here, it’s framed as the speaker’s “dream” car that’s being pushed out by higher costs and changing ownership choices.

The Audi RS4 is a high-performance version of the A4, typically associated with a balanced “fast but usable” approach and strong enthusiast following. In this segment it’s used as a comparison point against the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204).

“Plug-ins” here refers to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can run on an electric motor and also use a gasoline engine. The speaker is arguing that certain Chinese PHEVs offered unusually strong value compared with European options.

Tesla is the brand most associated with modern battery-electric cars, and in this context it represents going fully electric rather than sticking with petrol. The speaker uses “Juicy drives a Tesla everywhere” to frame the debate about whether EV owners still count as true petrolheads.

“A to B” is shorthand for getting from one place to another with minimal hassle. In car talk, it usually means prioritizing everyday usability—easy commuting, predictable operation, and low drama—over thrills.

“G31 530D” refers to the BMW 5 Series (G31 generation) with a 3.0-liter diesel “530d” setup. The speaker highlights real-world ownership costs and simplicity: after nearly 30,000 miles it only needed basic service items like rear brakes, and it “just works.”

“Basic serviceable items” refers to routine, expected maintenance tasks rather than major repairs. The speaker’s point is that the car required only normal wear-and-tear work (like brakes) and otherwise stayed trouble-free.

“Rear brakes” means the braking components on the back axle—typically pads and rotors. The speaker uses them as an example of a normal, expected maintenance item rather than a major problem.

The “front bumper” is the exterior impact-absorbing panel at the front of the car. In this segment it’s mentioned as damage from being “crashed into,” not as a mechanical failure.

The Renault 5 is a compact hatchback that’s become a classic for its simple, fun-to-drive character. In this segment, it’s brought up as an alternative to newer EVs, but the discussion immediately pivots to EV range limits versus what you’d want for motorway trips.

The “5 E-Tech Electric” refers to the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, an all-electric version of the Renault 5 nameplate. The podcast specifically questions whether it has enough range for motorway driving, which is a common real-world consideration for EV buyers. It’s discussed because range and everyday usability determine how practical an EV feels.

The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s fully electric performance sedan, known for its fast acceleration and “sports car” feel despite being an EV. Here, it’s specifically mentioned as the kind of EV the speaker would actually want, contrasting with their dislike of many Chinese EVs’ looks and the range concerns for other options.

Wheel bearings are the parts that let your wheels spin smoothly while supporting the car’s weight. When they wear out, you can get noise (often a humming/grinding) and extra play that can affect steering feel and tire wear.

“Ingenium” is Jaguar Land Rover’s engine family name for modern modular engines. When the hosts mention it, they’re contrasting the idea of an Ingenium engine with the fact that this Range Rover Evoke is instead said to use a 2.2 engine from the Freelander.

The Land Rover Freelander is a compact SUV, and the podcast mentions a 2.2 engine from the Freelander being used in a different context. That kind of comment usually points to engine sharing or similar powertrains across vehicles. It’s discussed because it helps explain what engine a particular Land Rover might have.

DPF stands for diesel particulate filter, a emissions device that traps soot from diesel exhaust. The hosts describe a scenario where the DPF clogged, then overheated, and that overheating led to catastrophic engine failure (“blew it all up”).

The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car that pairs a turbocharged engine with electric drive for quick, futuristic acceleration and a distinctive look. The speaker calls it out specifically as a car they’ve always wanted to own, and they describe attending its original launch in Scotland.

Scissor doors are a type of car door that pivot upward and outward, usually along a hinge near the front of the door. They’re dramatic and visually distinctive, but they can be awkward in tight parking spaces and generally reduce everyday practicality.

In automotive terms, the drivetrain is the set of components that deliver power from the engine (or motors) to the wheels. When the hosts say the i8’s drivetrain is outdated, they mean the overall powertrain tech and how it integrates (hybrid system, control strategy, and hardware) feels behind newer solutions.

This compares car ownership to smartphone upgrade cycles—new models arriving regularly and owners replacing older devices. The underlying point is that technology-driven refreshes could reduce long-term ownership and repair culture, especially for EVs.

“Throw away society” is a critique of consumer culture where people replace products rather than repair them. Applied to cars, the idea is that EVs (and cars in general) may be treated like phones—updated frequently and discarded when they’re no longer “new.”

The BYD Seal is an electric sedan from BYD, a Chinese automaker known for battery-electric vehicles. In this episode, it’s used as an example of a modern EV that likely won’t be kept for decades like older “classic cars.”

In car talk, a “barn” usually means a long-term storage place where a vehicle can sit for decades. The idea here is that EV batteries and other components may degrade or become unusable after being stored that long.

The Chevrolet Nova is a classic American compact car that became popular in earlier decades and is still remembered by enthusiasts today. The podcast references people asking who would keep a Nova, which reflects how these cars can be overlooked or treated as “just a car” despite having a dedicated following. It’s discussed as part of a conversation about keeping and valuing older models.

“Sunny” in the podcast context refers to the Nissan Sunny, a compact car model that’s often thought of as a simple, practical vehicle. It’s mentioned alongside the Chevrolet Nova as an example of a car people might question keeping, implying it’s seen as ordinary rather than special. It comes up because the conversation is about which cars people choose to hold onto.

An electric car is a vehicle powered primarily by an electric motor and a high-voltage battery pack. The discussion here is about long-term serviceability—whether the battery and related electronics can realistically be kept working for 40 years.

A jump pack is a portable battery used to provide starting power to a vehicle. The host’s “big jump pack” phrasing implies that an EV would need a very large external power source to get it going if its own battery system can’t be revived—highlighting how EVs differ from older cars that can often be jump-started.

Battery technology refers to how rechargeable batteries are designed and built—chemistry, cell design, and how they age over time. In EVs, battery aging is a major reason people doubt an EV can be kept running reliably for decades the way many classic internal-combustion cars can.

This is a prediction about the future of “classic cars,” arguing that EVs may not become the same kind of long-lived, maintainable classics as internal-combustion cars. The underlying idea is that EV components—especially batteries and high-voltage electronics—may not be practical to keep running for decades.

A commuter car is a vehicle chosen mainly for daily driving—short trips, predictable routes, and regular use. In this segment, the hosts suggest EVs make sense as commuter cars because they’re convenient for routine driving, even if they may be less suited to long-term “classic” ownership.

The “one car” scenario is a practical ownership situation where a household has no backup vehicle. The hosts are framing EV suitability around real-life constraints—if you only have one car, you need it to be dependable every day.

The Nürburgring is a famous German motorsport venue, best known for the Nordschleife, a very long and demanding circuit. It’s often used as a real-world stress test for brakes, tires, cooling systems, and—more recently—EV thermal management during repeated laps.

In an EV, “low power mode” is a protective strategy where the car limits power output to prevent damage when components overheat. It’s typically triggered by thermal issues in the battery, inverter, or motor after sustained hard use like repeated track laps.

“Overheat” here refers to EV components reaching temperatures high enough to trigger protection limits. On track, sustained power draw can raise battery and power electronics temperatures, which can lead to reduced performance until the system cools.

The “G-Wagon” refers to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a boxy, body-on-frame off-road SUV known for rugged durability and simple mechanicals. A 1979 example is an older, classic generation where issues like cracked cylinder heads can be a big deal for whether it can be brought back to life.

“Head’s cracked” means the engine’s cylinder head has a fracture. On many engines, a cracked cylinder head can cause coolant leaks and loss of compression, often making the engine hard or expensive to repair.