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S3 E65

S3 E65

MartiniWorks Podcast May 29, 2026 66 min
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About this episode

Hosts kick off with wheel-brand talk and a Germany/Nürburgring work trip, then get into the stress of long-distance rotary ownership and the logistics of shipping titles and cars. The conversation turns into real-world wrenching: diagnosing a single-DIN radio that powers on but has no sound, wrestling with stuck trim, and sorting cooling/brake issues. Midway, they debate Ferrari’s EV design choices and discuss endurance-racing chaos at the Nürburgring, plus sponsor segments on wheels, coilovers, and tires.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Chevrolet SSR

"...he good wheels in stock, like works, gram lights, SSRs, all sorts of good stuff. In case you're wonderin..."

The Chevrolet SSR is a weird-looking car that mixes a truck and a convertible idea. It has a pickup-like shape but is meant to be styled like a roadster. The podcast mentions it in the context of customizing and parts like wheels.

Concept

buying a car sight unseen

"I mean, there is cars out there. [181.1s] But buying a car sight unseen other than just the listing [186.0s] and then driving it across country, essentially,"

It means buying a car without seeing it or checking it yourself. With older cars, you can’t easily spot problems that might be expensive to fix later.

Term

unknown miles

"[192.3s] Yeah, there's like three. [193.7s] Unknown miles. [194.4s] There's three hells of being an automotive enthusiast."

It means the seller doesn’t clearly know (or won’t share) how many miles the car has. Without that info, it’s harder to estimate how worn things might be.

Term

EV crossover

"So the Ferrari Luce is a ugly abomination of an EV crossover that for the first time in my life... I still don't think I would like it."

An EV crossover is an SUV-style car that runs on electricity. The host is basically saying that EVs often get a certain look, and they don’t think that look is necessary. They wish the car could look more like a typical Ferrari instead.

Car

Ferrari Purosangue

"But this is the same company that designed the Ferrari Pro Sangue, which in my opinion is one of the most gorgeous looking SUV... It is a super gorgeous looking car."
Concept

why do EVs have to look like EVs

"Yeah, why do EVs have to look like EVs? Did you see this thing? Yeah, this is atrocious... why couldn't they just do a typical like Ferrari design?"

The host is complaining about EVs having a similar look. They think designers are making EVs look like EVs instead of letting the car look like it belongs to its brand. Their point is that Ferrari could have made the Luce look more like a Ferrari.

Term

EV

"I don't think there is a brand where I'd be like, man, that is a good looking EV. It looks like some weird like concept car out of like the 2000s."

EV means electric vehicle—cars powered primarily by electric motors and batteries instead of a gasoline engine. The host is saying they don’t think there’s a brand whose EV styling looks especially good to them, contrasting it with what they expect from familiar car design language.

Car

Ferrari Luce

"The one thing I kind of giggle a little about... So the Ferrari Luce came out yesterday, I think it was, and everybody posted about it, including people that were on embargo"

Ferrari Luce is a new Ferrari that people are already talking about, and it’s described here as an electric vehicle. The hosts are basically debating whether it still looks like a “real” Ferrari. They also mention that some people saw it early under embargo rules.

Term

embargo

"including people that were on embargo and those that weren't, which is essentially people that already saw the car,"

An embargo is basically a “don’t post yet” rule. People may be allowed to see the car early, but they’re required to wait until the embargo lifts before sharing their thoughts publicly.

Car

Mercedes-Benz AMG EV

"Meanwhile, the people that were under embargo [390.6s] and did go on an influencer activation [393.2s] to go see a brand new Mercedes-Benz AMG EV, [396.8s] which is equally the same amount of shittiness"

They’re talking about an electric Mercedes-AMG car. The speaker is saying that even as a performance EV, they don’t like how it looks.

Term

influencer activation

"Meanwhile, the people that were under embargo [390.6s] and did go on an influencer activation [393.2s] to go see a brand new Mercedes-Benz AMG EV,"

An “influencer activation” is when a car brand brings influencers in to check out the car and make posts about it. It’s part of the marketing push around a new launch.

Car

Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Amg

"and did go on an influencer activation to go see a brand new Mercedes-Benz AMG EV, which is equally the same amount of shittiness"

The Mercedes-AMG GT is a sporty Mercedes performance car. It’s made to be quick and exciting to drive. The podcast mentions it while talking about Mercedes performance vehicles and related activations.

Car

E63 AMG

"But the Ferrari Luce is an abomination, [412.6s] Loves the Mercedes, it's so cool. [421.7s] I want a 6.2 liter V8 in my E63 AMG, [425.8s] and I want to go gremlins for the rest of my life."

They’re referencing a Mercedes-AMG E-Class model called the E63 AMG. The speaker wants the classic big V8 engine in that car, instead of moving to electric.

Term

6.2 liter V8

"[421.7s] I want a 6.2 liter V8 in my E63 AMG, [425.8s] and I want to go gremlins for the rest of my life. [428.4s] That's what you get when you buy an AMG."

A “6.2 liter V8” is a big engine with eight cylinders. The “6.2 liter” part is the engine’s size, and the “V8” part describes how the cylinders are arranged.

Car

BMW E63

"Oh, man. I want a 6.2 liter V8 in my E63 AMG, and I want to go gremlins for the rest of my..."

The BMW 6 Series is a bigger BMW meant for comfortable driving. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because the host wants a specific V8 engine setup in that kind of car. The focus is on having more power and a more “grand tour” style vehicle.

Term

single din radio

"so I'm like, it's gotta be like a loose connection, or maybe the amp on the back of the single din radio"

A single-DIN radio is a car stereo that’s built to a standard size so it fits in most dashboards. “DIN” is just the measurement system car audio uses, and “single” means it’s the smaller height version.

Term

amp on the back

"or maybe the amp on the back of the single din radio"

The “amp on the back” is the part of the stereo that boosts the signal so your speakers can play sound. If the radio powers on but you get no audio, that amp section could be broken or disconnected.

Term

bezel

"It doesn't have a bezel around it, you can see the metal like tray that it goes into"

A bezel is the decorative trim piece that goes around the stereo in the dashboard. Without it, you can see the mounting metal, and the stereo may be installed in a way that’s harder to pull out.

Term

metal tray

"you can see the metal like tray that it goes into, and I bought a key set on Amazon"

The metal tray is the bracket in the dashboard that the stereo slides into. Once it’s seated, clips can lock it in place, so it can feel like the stereo is stuck until you release the locks.

Term

key set

"and I bought a key set on Amazon that had like 50 keys, all for different types of radios."

Those “keys” are special tools that help you pull the stereo out. They fit into small slots and push the locking tabs so the radio can slide free.

Company

Pull and Motorsports

"shout out to Philip, he FaceTime me trying to help me, he works at, or owns Pull and Motorsports"

Pull and Motorsports is the shop Philip works at (or owns). They’re being mentioned because Philip was helping with the stereo problem.

Term

S chassis

"“If that was an S chassis, you would have just like torn the entire front of the car. It would have been like dust.”"

“S chassis” is a nickname for a particular car platform (the underlying structure). The host is saying that on that kind of car, removing the front dash area would be much messier or more destructive. Here, they’re surprised their dash came out cleanly.

Car

Volkswagen Kid

"And then all I found was the worst Volkswagen kid crimp connections I've ever seen in my life. I di..."

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van. It’s meant to carry people like a family vehicle, but it runs on electricity. The podcast mentions it because the host says they saw problems with the wiring connections.

Term

coolant

"Even like improper maintenance, like the wrong type of coolant and stuff was in it"

Coolant is the fluid that keeps the engine from getting too hot. If you use the wrong one, it can lead to buildup and damage inside the cooling system.

Term

water pump

"and the water pump was all completely gummed up"

The water pump moves the coolant around the engine. If it gets clogged or gummed up, the coolant can’t circulate well, and the engine can run hot.

Part

brakes

"and I've gotten that all sorted out and brand new brakes."

Brakes are what help the car slow down and stop. If brake parts are worn out, the pedal can feel weak or delayed until they’re replaced.

Term

brake pedal

"The brake pedal actually does something before it was more like just like, I hope it stops."

The brake pedal is what you press to make the brakes work. If it doesn’t feel right—like it goes too far or doesn’t bite quickly—that can mean the brakes aren’t working as they should.

Term

Clean title

"Clean title. All the good stuff. You can have it."

A “clean title” means the car’s paperwork looks normal—no major history flags like salvage status. That usually makes it easier to register and insure the car. They’re emphasizing it because the title paperwork is part of the transfer process.

Term

title paperwork

"Get the title paperwork confirmed. Got the FedEx tracking for the title on Thursday or Friday last week."

“Title paperwork” is the legal paperwork that proves who owns the car. When you buy a used car, you need the title handled correctly so you can register it in your name. They’re talking about making sure it’s confirmed and shipped.

Term

FedEx tracking for the title

"Got the FedEx tracking for the title on Thursday or Friday last week. Found a shipping company on Friday."

They’re saying they have shipping tracking for the car’s title documents. That matters because the title is what you need to finish the ownership transfer. They’re coordinating when it will arrive so everything can be completed.

Term

engine shot

"No one needed like some work done to it. I think like the engine shot in it."

“Engine shot” means the engine is in really bad shape—so bad that it probably won’t run right or would cost too much to fix. It’s basically a heads-up that the car needs major work.

Concept

resurrection

"And it's like resurrection in the car community. ... to them being dirt cheap. And now they're on the way up, baby."

Here, “resurrection” just means the car is becoming popular again. The host is saying the RX-8 went through a bad reputation phase, but now people are starting to want them again.

Place

Eau Claire

"drove it, piss in the wind as fast as he possibly could around a back road in Eau Claire, threw it off the road,"

Eau Claire is a place in Wisconsin. The host is just using it to describe where the story happened—it's not really a car-tech topic.

Car

A Dacia Logan

"A Dacia Logan. It's an RX eight. I believe it's a series to RX eight."

A Dacia Logan is a low-cost, everyday car model. In this segment, the hosts are debating what the car actually is.

Term

manual

"It's manual. I'm pretty sure. How do you know that?"

“Manual” means the car has a stick shift. You use a clutch pedal and move the gear lever yourself to change gears.

Term

Engine in it is shot or has issues

"Engine in it is shot or has issues. It sounds like there was another engine. I think that engine's also shot."

“Engine is shot” usually means the engine is badly broken. The speaker also suggests it might have had a different engine put in, because the sounds don’t match what you’d expect from a healthy one.

Term

13 B

"But the really cool thing is because I'm partner [1145.0s] with Mazda Motorsports, I shot Josh Smith a message. [1148.4s] And I was like, yo, we got 13 B."

“13B” is the name of a specific Mazda rotary engine. The host is talking about rotary-engine options and how their car choices connect.

Car

Mazda MX-5

"And I was like, yo, we got 13 B. [1148.4s] We got the MX five. [1152.9s] Yeah."

The Mazda MX-5 is a small, lightweight sports car (a Miata) that’s famous for being fun and easy to drive. Here, it’s brought up as one of the possible cars the host could have chosen.

Car

Mazda Rx8

"He's like, did you buy an FD or an RX-8? [1163.3s] And I was like, I was gifted an RX-8. [1165.4s] He's like, hell, yeah."

The RX-8 is a Mazda sports car that’s famous for having a rotary engine, which is different from the usual piston engines. The host says they were given an RX-8, so it’s central to what they’re talking about.

Term

rotary engine

"I do think it'd be fun for us to do like a whole rotary. Rotary series and just give love to the rotary engine."

A rotary engine is an engine that uses a spinning part to make power instead of pistons. It’s a Mazda specialty, and it feels different from normal engines. That’s why people get excited about it.

Car

Mazda Rx7

"You should just start calling it an FE RX-7 like all the kids on TikTok do. ... Because the chassis code is essentially ... how they found like FB, FC, FD."

The Mazda RX-7 is a Mazda sports car known for using a rotary engine. People talk about different “generations” of it using chassis codes. That’s what the discussion is getting at when they mention RX-7.

Concept

kids on TikTok

"You should just start calling it an FE RX-7 like all the kids on TikTok do."

They’re talking about how social media can create slang or labels for cars that aren’t technically correct. Here, the joke/complaint is that TikTok people might call an RX-8 something that sounds like an RX-7. The hosts are pointing out the mix-up.

Term

chassis code

"Because the chassis code is essentially because like how they found like FB, FC, FD. ... The RX-8 essentially has like an FE chassis code."

A chassis code is a shorthand identifier that tells you which specific version/platform a car is. Enthusiasts use these codes to avoid confusion between generations. In this case, they’re using them to argue about RX-7 vs RX-8 naming.

Car

S13

"But then again, your S13 is still fucking collecting. Yeah, exactly."

“S13” is shorthand for a Nissan 240SX chassis. It’s a common car people modify for drifting because it’s rear-wheel drive and has a big enthusiast support community.

Car

Volvo XC60

"When we were in Germany, I rented a Volvo XC60. And we filled up twice."

The Volvo XC60 is a Volvo SUV you can rent. The hosts mention it because they had to fill up more than once, and they’re complaining that fuel costs are really high.

Term

12A

"12A or Renesys. To assist us in bringing back to life or reinvigorating the life that is already currently alive."

The “12A” is an engine designation for Mazda’s early Wankel rotary engine family. It’s a specific rotary variant that enthusiasts discuss for parts, rebuilding, and “bringing back to life,” because different rotary generations/variants can have different common issues and repair approaches.

Term

Renesys

"12A or Renesys. To assist us in bringing back to life or reinvigorating the life that is already currently alive."

“Renesis” is the name of a later rotary engine used in Mazda cars like the RX-8. It matters because it’s not the same as older rotary engines, so repairs and parts can be different.

Term

electrical voltage drop

"So it is good. Ish, so when I was driving it, the steering wheel still has a little bit of that electrical voltage drop drag where it's like the voltage is too low."

Voltage drop means the car’s electrical power briefly isn’t strong enough when something demands it. Here, that causes the power steering to stop working for a moment, then come back once the voltage is back up.

Term

electric power steering

"And then the electric power steering stops working and then it kicks back on."

Electric power steering is the system that helps you turn the wheel using an electric motor. If it senses a problem (like low voltage), it may stop helping for a moment and then turn back on.

Part

piping on the radiator system

"And then also another problem is the piping on the radiator system leaks."

The radiator system’s piping carries engine coolant to and from the radiator to remove heat. A leak in that piping can cause coolant loss, overheating risk, and can also trigger other temperature-related faults.

Company

Lindgren

"And I am just going to put that vehicle into a trailer, take it back to Lindgren, and say, fix it."

Lindgren is referenced as the shop the vehicle will be taken to for repair. The speaker’s plan is to trailer the car there and have them fix the steering and cooling-system issues.

Term

pressure tester

"Just buy yourself a cool and pressure tester, then do this and that, and then the, you know, when you get a text..."

A pressure tester is a tool used to pressurize a system (often the cooling system) to find leaks and confirm whether pressure holds. In the context of a radiator-system leak, it helps pinpoint where coolant is escaping rather than guessing.

Term

clutch pedal

"Got a squeaky clutch pedal, though... Very squeaky."

The clutch pedal is what you press to shift gears in a manual car. If it squeaks, it’s often because the moving parts around it are dry or not lubricated.

Brand

WD-40

"WD-40... just put right on the face of the pedal, spray it a bunch of WD-40, it'll be good."

WD-40 is a spray lubricant people use to quiet squeaks and loosen stuck parts. Spraying it on a pedal might reduce the noise for a bit, but it may not fix the underlying cause.

Car

Nissan R34

"...people ask the comparison between the S15 and the R34. Same era, same year, even, I think."

The Nissan Skyline is a sports car model that has been made for many years. The podcast talks about comparing two versions—S15 and R34—that are from the same general time period. The point is that different Skyline generations feel and look different.

Term

sound deadening

"I was like, ooh, sound deadening. This is, this is nice."

Sound deadening is what makes a car quieter inside. It’s basically extra insulation that blocks noise from the road and outside.

Term

welded diff

"And then I get in the S15, it's like, everything makes noise, the diff is welded."

A welded diff means the differential is locked so both wheels must turn together. That can make the car feel different and can also make more noise than a normal differential.

Term

super lock diff

"The diff is welded. To be fair, the welded diff in the S15 is quieter than the diff in the R34. The super lock diff on the R34, yeah."

A super lock diff is a differential setup that keeps the wheels from acting independently. The host is saying this R34’s differential makes more noise than the other car’s welded setup.

Term

rotor

"Yeah, three rotor anywhere around here? Dude, three rotor arcs, it would be fucking nasty."

A rotor is the spinning part inside a rotary engine that helps make power. Saying “three rotor” usually means the engine has three of those spinning sections, which can make it stronger and more special than a single-rotor engine.

Company

Fortune Auto

"That leads to our first sponsor, Martino's podcast, Fortune Auto. They make some beautiful, wonderful handling coilovers."

Fortune Auto is a company that sells aftermarket suspension parts, like coilovers. They’re talking about ways you can upgrade, repair, or customize those suspension units.

Term

handling coilovers

"They make some beautiful, wonderful handling coilovers. Can upgrade them."

Coilovers are suspension parts that control how the car rides and handles bumps. “Handling” coilovers are meant to make the car feel tighter and more responsive when you drive it hard.

Term

serviced and rebuilt

"Can upgrade them. Can have them serviced and rebuilt and customize them."

Coilovers can be serviced and rebuilt, meaning the shocks and internal valving can be disassembled, inspected, and reconditioned to restore performance. This is different from replacing the whole suspension and can be useful for maintaining ride quality and damping consistency over time.

Term

N54 era

"Cause I think a lot of people want to critique BMW's quality, especially in that N54 era, which is rightfully so."

BMW’s “N54” is a specific engine BMW used in many cars a while back. When someone says “N54 era,” they mean the time period when those cars were popular—and they’re often talking about how that engine felt to own, including known issues.

Car

BMW E36

"... you want like a shit box to learn how to drift? E36. Oh, you want like an analog car"

The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car made by BMW. The older E36 version is often talked about because it’s older and simpler to drive and work on. People sometimes choose it to practice driving skills like drifting.

Car

BMW M3

"[1708.6s] Oh, you want like an analog car [1710.2s] that feels really fun to drive, [1711.6s] but it's not as expensive as a Type R, E46 M3."

The BMW E46 M3 is a performance version of the BMW 3 Series from the late 1990s/early 2000s. It’s famous for feeling very “driver-focused,” and it usually costs more than older, simpler BMWs.

Car

BMW M5

"...nough space in the back to put two people, get an M5. I need a truck."

The BMW M5 is a fast, performance-focused BMW sedan. It’s designed to carry more than just the driver, including rear passengers. In the podcast, it’s brought up because it offers more back-seat space than some smaller options.

Term

factory mule

"Wasn't that a factory, factory mule? Like it was a truck to like move things around."

A “factory mule” is a test car that automakers use while they’re developing a new vehicle. It’s basically a modified car used to try out parts and systems in the real world.

Car

Mazda MX-5 / Miata

"...ve that type of generations? Mazda maybe with the Miata, but that car has, in theory, stayed exactly the ..."

The Mazda Miata is a small two-seat sports car. It’s made to be light and easy to drive for fun. The podcast mentions it because the car’s basic style and driving feel have stayed similar across generations.

Brand

Porsche

"Yeah, what Porsche has done well with one model, BMW has done successfully with almost a dozen."

Porsche is mentioned as an example of a company that does a great job keeping a model’s character consistent. The discussion is more about strategy than a specific technical detail.

Car

Toyota GRs

"Toyota's done a really great job with their GRs, their Corollas, their Supras, and things like that."

“GRs” are Toyota’s performance versions, tied to their Gazoo Racing program. The hosts are saying Toyota has done well with those faster, more enthusiast-focused models.

Car

Toyota Corolla

"Toyota's done a really great job with their GRs, their Corollas, their Supras, and things like that."

The Toyota Corolla is a long-running compact car line that’s often used as a benchmark for mainstream reliability and broad market appeal. Here, it’s mentioned as one of the areas where Toyota has “done a really great job,” contrasting with later struggles in other segments.

Car

Toyota Supra

"Toyota's done a really great job with their GRs, their Corollas, their Supras, and things like that."

The Toyota Supra is Toyota’s sports car that enthusiasts love. The hosts are listing it as one of Toyota’s strong model choices.

Concept

EV space

"They're not doing great with EVs, so now they're pulling out of the EV space."

“EV space” just means the market for electric cars. The hosts are saying Toyota isn’t winning as well there as they do in other kinds of vehicles.

Car

i8 (I12)

"...he biggest failures BMW probably ever had was the i8, right? Not for rappers."

The BMW i8 is a sports car that uses both electricity and a gas engine. It was designed to look futuristic and drive like a performance car. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because the host thinks it didn’t work out the way people expected.

Car

BMW i3

"Oh, yeah, that thing's weird too. Is the i3 like the little, the snubby one? It's like a litt..."

The BMW i3 is an electric car made by BMW. It looks different from most cars and is smaller in size. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because people think it’s a bit unusual.

Car

Hyundai Sonata

"Either the Elantra or the Sonata... Sonata or Elantra? Which one is it?"

The Hyundai Sonata is a bigger four-door sedan than the Elantra. In this clip, it’s mentioned as a possible match before they decide on the Elantra.

Term

N model

"Brent, what's that four-door Hyundai with the N model... Sorry, I can't keep the N."

Hyundai’s “N” models are the sportier, performance versions of regular Hyundai cars. The “N model” badge usually means the car is tuned to be more fun to drive.

Topic

Cars and Coffee

"We're at a Cars and Coffee... Like, this is an enthusiast vehicle now. I want to check it out some more."

Cars and Coffee is a community car meet where people bring cars and hang out. They’re talking about a Hyundai they’ve seen there.

Car

Honda Civic Type R

"It's a hard package to beat right now, because the Type R is too expensive. Elantra N is cheaper."

The Honda Civic Type R is the sporty, performance version of the Civic. The hosts mention it as the benchmark car, but say it costs more than the Elantra N.

Car

Hyundai Elantra N

"It's a hard package to beat right now, because the Type R is too expensive. Elantra N is cheaper... The pre-owned ones are pretty affordable now too... the Hyundai Elantra N has a starting MSRP of 35K."

The Hyundai Elantra N is a sporty version of the Elantra that’s meant to be fun to drive hard, not just commute. Here, they’re saying it’s a more affordable alternative to the Honda Civic Type R and that it’s good for track days.

Term

Michelin tires

"if you're buying a new car for under 30 or around 30 that you can take to the track like as is, because I think they come with Michelin tires."

Michelin is a well-known tire brand. They’re saying the car likely already comes with good tires, so you can go to the track without changing them first.

Term

PS4s

"because I think they come with Michelin tires. I think they come with PS4s."

“PS4s” is shorthand for a specific Michelin performance tire model. They’re saying the car comes with a tire that’s already meant for sporty driving, which helps for track days.

Term

starting MSRP

"Yeah, the Hyundai Elantra N has a starting MSRP of 35K. That's honestly really good in the market."

MSRP is the sticker price the manufacturer sets for the car. They’re using it to say the Elantra N is priced well compared to other performance cars.

Term

horsepower

"Yeah. Yeah, it's like 290 horsepower, something like that."

Horsepower is a number that tells you how strong the engine is. Higher horsepower usually means the car can accelerate more strongly, all else equal.

Car

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

"I mean, yeah, here's a 2026 Hyundai Elantra N. And it's already going for like 30K. Yeah. Things brand new."

This is the sporty, track-inspired version of the Hyundai Elantra. The “N” model is built to feel more like a performance car than a regular Elantra, and the hosts are saying the 2026 version is priced around $30,000.

Car

Volkswagen Golf

"What about anything from Volkswagen when you put it up against that, too? The Golf R, I think, yeah."

The Golf R is the sporty, higher-performance version of the Volkswagen Golf. In this segment, it’s mentioned as another car you’d compare against the Elantra N.

Car

Subaru WRX

"What about the WRX, like 2026 WRX? I don't, well, I don't know if I would."

The WRX is Subaru’s sporty car, and it’s known for having all-wheel drive and rally-style handling. The host is mentioning the 2026 WRX as a comparison point to the Elantra N.

Car

GTI

"But the GTI, GTI would be really comparable to compete with the Elantra N."

The GTI is Volkswagen’s sporty Golf model. The host is saying it would be a more fair comparison to the Elantra N than the WRX.

Term

drivetrain for drivetrain

"I think it's almost like drivetrain for drivetrain. But the GTI, GTI would be really comparable to compete with the Elantra N."

This phrase means “compare the way the car sends power to the wheels.” The host is saying the WRX and Elantra N might not be a perfect match because their power-to-wheels setups aren’t the same.

Car

Volkswagen Jetta

"Is the Jetta front-wheel drive? Yeah. So yeah, the Jetta."

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car that usually drives the front wheels. That means the engine sends power to the front tires, which is common for practical everyday cars.

Car

Volkswagen Type R

"they're all getting compared to the Volkswagen group and the Type R. Or the SI, if it's a sub-model."

“Type R” is Volkswagen’s label for its most hardcore performance versions. Other sporty cars get compared to it because they’re trying to deliver a similar kind of fun and speed.

Concept

hidden sleepers

"Volvo has some hidden sleepers. Yeah, they're one of the only companies"

A “sleeper” is a car that doesn’t look that fast, but it actually is. The hosts are saying some Volvos fall into that category.

Term

twin-charged engine

"they're one of the only companies to make a twin-charged engine up until like 2021 or something. Yeah, which is cool."

A twin-charged engine uses two ways to push extra air into the engine. That helps it feel stronger both at low speeds and when you rev higher.

Car

Volvo XC90

"Plus like the, what is it? The XC90 has been in production for 20 some years and they've only changed the design of it like once."

The Volvo XC90 is Volvo’s midsize luxury SUV, and it’s notable here because the host claims it has been in production for decades with only minimal design changes. That kind of long-running, slow-evolving design is a talking point for buyers who worry about whether a vehicle will look dated quickly.

Place

Nurburgring

"I mean, they had an April Fools joke [2352.1s] that they turned into a GT3 race car at the Nurburgring [2355.2s] and did well, you know?"

The Nürburgring is a legendary race track in Germany. It’s known for being really challenging, so doing well there is a big deal for a performance car.

Term

F1 car

"Like when Audi released their F1 car, they did like this private screening of delivery"

An “F1 car” is a Formula 1 race car. It’s the top tier of open-wheel racing, built specifically to go extremely fast on race tracks.

Car

Audi R8s

"And it's like the Audi Quattro and all these old, like the Audi R8s and the old endurance race cars."

The Audi R8 is Audi’s famous supercar. It’s a mid-engine car that’s often used as a flagship example of Audi’s performance image.

Car

Audi Quattro

"And it's like the Audi Quattro and all these old, like the Audi R8s and the old endurance race cars."

The Audi Quattro is a famous Audi rally car. It’s remembered for helping make Audi’s all-wheel-drive reputation—especially in snow and rough conditions.

Topic

brand culture fit

"Like I do remember who they were. Like that's, I think that's it is like, there are certain brands that play well into their culture and there are other brands who don't."

They’re talking about how some car brands match their own image and fan culture better than others. The idea is that the brand’s story and what it does in motorsport feel “right” or “forced.”

Car

1988 Volkswagen Caddy Mark I

"Because we're looking at a 1988 Volkswagen Caddy Mark I. But in the bed of this thing is sitting"

This is a 1980s Volkswagen Caddy, which is usually a small work van. In this build, someone turned it into a pickup and put a supercar engine in it, which is why it’s such a big deal.

Car

McLaren 650S engine

"But in the bed of this thing is sitting a McLaren 650S engine. And yes, I said the bed of this pickup truck."

The McLaren 650S is a supercar, and this build uses that car’s engine. Putting it into a Volkswagen Caddy means a lot of custom work so the engine can physically fit and run correctly.

Concept

engine swap

"And I'm not like, oh, it's just towing it. No, it is immaculately fitted into the bed of this truck to power it."

An engine swap means replacing the original engine with a different one. Here, the builder didn’t just move the engine around—they installed it so it actually powers the Volkswagen.

Concept

work in progress

"So this is still essentially like a work in progress. It isn't completely finished yet, as no build is. As you can tell, a lot of the work went into obviously"

A “work in progress” build means the car isn’t fully completed yet, even if it’s running or partially functional. The host ties this to the complexity of adapting the Caddy to the McLaren engine, noting that a lot of the effort went into making the two work together.

Term

tonneau cover

"“...under the tonneau cover of this looks, I'm really excited...” ... “...like he can put the tonneau cover, the hard tonneau cover on the back.”"

A tonneau cover is a cover panel used over the rear cargo area of a vehicle to protect items from weather and to improve appearance. In this build, the host emphasizes that a hard tonneau cover can be fitted while the car still looks like a stock Volkswagen Caddy, even though the drivetrain is highly modified.

Term

fuel tank

"And then in the hood or under the hood, I should say, [2685.5s] is the fuel tank, which is just crazy. [2688.2s] Looks like some like crazy,"

The fuel tank is where the car stores its fuel. If a build is heavily modified, the fuel tank often has to be moved or reshaped, which takes a lot of work to do safely.

Term

fuel system

"[2688.2s] Looks like some like crazy, [2689.6s] I see three fuel system, like tube front end kind of thing [2692.9s] going on in there too. [2693.7s] It looks kind of crazy."

The fuel system is everything that gets fuel from the tank to the engine. In a custom build, the lines and connections may be rerouted and fabricated so the engine can fit and still get fuel reliably.

Term

carbon tailgate

"[2702.8s] work I've ever seen in my life. [2704.9s] The carbon tailgate is fucking sick. [2707.7s] Obviously we've got some over fenders and stuff too."

A carbon tailgate is the back door/panel made from carbon fiber. People use it because it can look cool and be lighter, but it still has to be mounted correctly so it doesn’t get damaged.

Term

over fenders

"The carbon tailgate is fucking sick. [2707.7s] Obviously we've got some over fenders and stuff too. [2709.5s] So I'm sure we got some big old wheels and stuff on."

Over fenders are add-on pieces that extend the wheel-arch area. They help cover and clear wider tires when a car is modified for a bigger stance.

Term

18 by 11s

"Yeah, what did he say? [2713.4s] We're running 18 by 11s. [2715.6s] That's a big John. [2716.7s] 18 by 11s in the rear on a VW Caddy."

“18 by 11” is the wheel size—18 inches across, and 11 inches wide. A wheel that wide in the rear usually needs extra clearance work so the tire doesn’t hit the body.

Concept

previous generation almost iconically always drops for a year

"But when a new generation gets released from BMW, the previous generation almost iconically always drops for a year. And then it'll go back up really fast if it's not well adopted."

The idea is that when a brand releases a newer version, the older one usually gets cheaper for a while. After that initial dip, prices can rise again if people still want the older car or don’t switch to the new one immediately.

Term

hybrid tech

"but I wouldn't put it past them to start throwing some hybrid tech. Oh, gosh. I mean, it is what it is."

Hybrid tech means the car uses both a gas engine and an electric motor. The electric part can help with acceleration and efficiency, and it may change how the car feels compared with a purely gas setup.

Term

grill

"and everyone was like, that's the ugliest thing. Look what they did to the grill. They messed it all up."

The “grill” is the front opening on a car. It helps with cooling, but it also heavily affects the car’s appearance.

Term

headlights

"I feel like yesterday. I'm still not a huge fan of the headlights of the G80. I love it."

Headlights are the lights at the front of the car. Here, they’re talking about the shape of the headlights and how it affects the car’s look.

Company

Bumper

"The Adro from Bumper, I think, changes it perfectly."

“Bumper” sounds like a shop or seller that provides the aftermarket part the host is talking about. They’re crediting it with the look-improvement.

Brand

Adro

"Adro. Adro. Yeah, they killed it with that too. They really gave it like a facelift. And it does look super good with the Adro kit on it too."

Adro is a company that makes aftermarket styling kits for cars. The idea is to change the look—usually adding more aggressive front, side, and rear pieces—so the car stands out more than it does from the factory.

Car

BMW M2

"...ood with the Adro kit on it too. But even the new M2, when that came out, I was like super polarizing."

The BMW M2 is a small BMW coupe made for performance. It’s meant to feel sporty and quick without being a huge car. The episode mentions it because the newer version made some people like it and others not.

Concept

ton of issues

"Really? Yeah, he has had a ton of issues with it. So he bought a Lucid."

“Ton of issues” is a lay description of repeated problems or failures with a vehicle. In car ownership terms, it usually points to reliability or quality-control concerns that can make a car frustrating to live with.

Term

EV sedan

"There's like an EV sedan that they released. I'm just based on the model."

An EV sedan is an electric car in a normal four-door car shape. Instead of a gas engine, it runs on electricity.

Term

one pedal driving

"Yeah, it's one pedal driving. Sorry, yeah, you let off the gas and it automatically stops. OPD."

One-pedal driving is when you mostly use the gas pedal to control speed. When you lift off the gas, the car slows down a lot and can stop, so you don’t have to keep tapping the brake.

Term

OPD

"OPD. And you don't need a touch of brake. But you can still use the brake like in an emergency"

OPD means “one-pedal driving.” You can slow down and even stop the car just by lifting off the gas pedal. You can still press the brake if you need to stop faster or in an emergency.

Term

hold

"Like you let out a roll. So he says he's always had it on the hold. And all of a sudden, he was on a hill and I had it parked"

“Hold” refers to a parking/stop-hold behavior that keeps the car from rolling when stopped, such as on a hill. In this segment, the speaker suggests the car’s hold behavior changed or disengaged unexpectedly, leading to rolling.

Term

climate control

"And he's like, what the heck? I got the air on, got the climate control set to 65."

Climate control is the car’s heating/AC system. You set a temperature, and the car works to keep the cabin at that level.

Term

set to 65

"I got the air on, got the climate control set to 65."

“Set to 65” means the driver chose a target cabin temperature—basically the number you want the car to maintain.

Brand

Lucid

"Yeah, because usually Rivian's pretty not Rivian. [3134.1s] Lucid. [3134.9s] This is Lucid."

Lucid is a company that makes electric cars. The hosts are basically saying that even though Lucid has money and has been around for a while, they haven’t always had a great track record when it comes to issues.

Car

Jeep Cherokee

"No. [3168.1s] Or the Jeep Cherokee. [3171.2s] Ah, Jeep Cherokee."

The Jeep Cherokee is a popular Jeep SUV. Here, it’s just being mentioned as a car the speaker owned that didn’t have the problem they were talking about.

Place

Nordschleife

"but like the entry onto the Nordschleife was a section. I pretty much walked from that turn one all the way down"

Nordschleife is the famous older part of a race track in Germany. It’s known for being really hard on cars and drivers, with lots of turns and elevation changes, and it can feel chaotic during races.

Term

guardrail

"With maybe two feet between them in the guardrail. They were just sending it."

A guardrail is the barrier along the side of the track. It’s there to keep cars from going into the wrong area if they get too close or miss a corner.

Car

Ford Falcon

"...ke that. Yeah, and we were hanging out with Black Falcon. Well, I was there with Likwemali for the week,"

The Ford Falcon is a Ford car model that has existed for many years. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as part of the people and cars being talked about. The key point is that it’s a well-known Ford nameplate in car circles.

Term

fuel stop

"Every fuel stop. [3372.1s] It seems like a nightmare. [3373.1s] Every fuel stop, every check, every brake change."

A “fuel stop” is the scheduled refueling moment during a race, typically done in the pit lane. In endurance events, how quickly fueling can be done (and what equipment is used) affects how much time is available for other work like brake service.

Term

brake change

"Every fuel stop, every check, every brake change. [3376.3s] There must be some benefit to doing that. [3378.2s] I was gonna say, what is the benefit of that?"

A “brake change” means swapping out worn brake parts during a pit stop. In long races, brakes get used up and teams may replace them to keep stopping power strong.

Brand

Black Falcon

"So Black Falcon does it because obviously they support [3383.1s] a lot of racing teams, right? [3384.8s] And then they bring the staff that know how to do it."

Black Falcon is a motorsport team. The host is saying they do this pit-stop strategy because they have experienced people who know how to run it.

Place

NURBS

"And then when cars go into pit at the NURBS, [3396.7s] So you can get everything done on a car much faster [3399.5s] than the time is allotted to stay there."

They’re talking about the Nürburgring in Germany. It’s a very famous race track, and the rules about pit stops there affect how teams plan their stops.

Term

pit

"And then when cars go into pit at the NURBS, [3393.8s] there's a time minimum requirement to be in there. [3396.7s] So you can get everything done on a car much faster"

In racing, the “pit” is the area where cars pull in to get serviced. Teams use it for things like refueling and repairs, and the timing can affect how fast the car can keep going.

Term

time minimum requirement

"when cars go into pit at the NURBS, [3393.8s] there's a time minimum requirement to be in there. [3396.7s] So you can get everything done on a car much faster"

This means the rules force the car to stay in the pit for at least a certain amount of time. Teams can use that guaranteed time to do work, even if some tasks could be finished sooner.

Term

normal nozzle

"But because the fueling is so archaic at the NURBURG ring, [3405.0s] it's literally a goddamn normal nozzle"

They’re saying the fueling equipment at Nürburgring is old-fashioned. If the nozzle is slower than modern race gear, refueling takes longer and affects pit-stop strategy.

Topic

24 hours of Nürburgring

"You hear 24 hours of Nürburgring. It's like, dude, that's gotta be the most insane thing on the planet."

This is a race where cars compete for 24 hours at the Nürburgring track in Germany. It’s known for being brutally hard on both cars and drivers because it lasts an entire day.

Brand

Rolex

"We went with the Daytona one is super cool. We went with Rolex."

Rolex is a luxury watch brand. Here it’s mentioned because it’s tied to the sponsorship/name of certain endurance races.

Place

Le Mans

"Le Mans is like, nice. You know, it's prestige, you know, it's French."

Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races held in France. It’s known for its long history and the way it draws major manufacturer and brand pride.

Car

Tesla Semi

"...e this dude was standing on top of this like half semi trailer without the truck attached to it anymore,..."

The Tesla Semi is an electric truck meant for hauling cargo. It’s built for long-distance trips instead of local delivery. The podcast mentions it because it’s a big, unusual electric vehicle people notice.

Topic

Daytona

"A lot of people out of all the ones that you could go to, if you live in the United States, go to Daytona first."

Daytona is a well-known racing place in the U.S. People who follow motorsports often start there before going to other events.

Brand

Continental tires

"Continental tires, they've been a sponsor of Martiniworks before we even started this whole little podcast shindig."

Continental is a well-known tire company that makes tires for lots of different cars. Here, they’re mentioned because they sponsor Martiniworks and the hosts like their tires.

Term

DWSO6

"Whether you're looking for a reliable all season tire, the DWSO6, honestly, probably one of the best all seasons that I've got my hands on."

DWSO6 is the name of a specific Continental all-season tire model. The host is saying it works well year-round, including in winter conditions.

Term

all season

"Whether you're looking for a reliable all season tire, the DWSO6, honestly, probably one of the best all seasons that I've got my hands on."

An all-season tire is made to be a “do-it-mostly” tire—good enough for most weather throughout the year. It’s not as specialized as a dedicated winter tire, but it’s meant to work in cold conditions too.

Term

winter

"Then they really do an incredible job in the winter, which is surprising."

When people say “winter” in tire context, they mean how well a tire grips in cold weather. The host is saying the tire performed better in winter than expected.

Term

Viking Contact

"But of course, if you are looking for a true dedicated winter tire, it can't be the Viking Contact."

Viking Contact is a tire model name the host contrasts against the all-season option. They’re saying it’s a true dedicated winter tire, implying it’s better suited for cold-weather snow/ice than an all-season tire.

Term

ECSO2s

"And so we are gearing up to throw some ECSO2s on. We've ran them on multiple cars around here from the GTT."

ECSO2s are the name of a summer performance tire the host is planning to put on their car. They’re saying it handles everyday driving well and also works for occasional track days, including in the rain.

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