[S8, E13] Our Favourite Moments of 2025
About this episode
Reflecting on the automotive highlights of 2025, Sam and Tony dive into significant news, including the EU's potential relaxation of combustion engine bans and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. They share personal milestones, such as memorable driving tours in Portugal and Spain, and discuss their investments in automotive stocks. The episode wraps up with a look ahead to 2026, hinting at exciting new car launches and the duo's plans for the upcoming year, ensuring a vibrant future for petrolheads.
This week we discuss:
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - EU Reverses ICE Ban
10:00 - My Swissquote Bank Europe Ad
13:00 - An Update On My Investments
18:00 - AI's Biggest Moments Of The Year
21:00 - Tony's Favourite Moments
29:45 - Sam's Favourite Moments
#AD - If you're interested to learn more about Swissquote Bank Europe and their offerings, they have kindly set up a special page for BTG listeners, with a few special offers: http://swissquote.lu/stg
This video should not be construed as an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity. It does not constitute financial advice. The views expressed are for information and entertainment purposes only. Swissquote recommends taking professional financial advice prior to taking any investment decisions. The value of investments may go down as well as up. When considering a Lombard loan, you should determine how the use of margin fits your own risk tolerance and investment goals. Please review Swissquote Bank Europe’s Investment and Risk warning disclosure:
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Land Rover Range Rover
"Yeah. To Austria in the Range Rover? Probably."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can handle rough terrains while also being very comfortable inside. People talk about it because it's both stylish and practical for different types of driving.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. It has become a symbol of status and adventure, often discussed for its blend of ruggedness and elegance, making it a popular choice for both urban and outdoor environments.
2035 ban on combustion engine car sales
"...that they're relaxing the 2035 ban on combustion engine car sales in Europe."
The 2035 ban means that starting in 2035, the EU plans to stop allowing the sale of new cars that run on gasoline or diesel. This is to help the environment by encouraging the use of electric cars instead.
The 2035 ban on combustion engine car sales refers to a proposed regulation by the European Union aimed at phasing out the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles by the year 2035. This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote electric vehicles as a more sustainable alternative.
non-combustion engines
"...to do with emissions. They've really relaxed that to 90%, allowing a small area where theoretically combustion engine"
Non-combustion engines are types of vehicles that don't use gasoline or diesel. Instead, they might run on electricity or hydrogen, which helps reduce pollution from cars.
Non-combustion engines refer to vehicles that do not rely on internal combustion engines for power, typically including electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These engines produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a key focus in efforts to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
emissions
"...to do with emissions. They've really relaxed that to 90%, allowing a small area where theoretically combustion engine"
Emissions are the harmful gases and particles that cars release into the air when they run. Reducing these emissions is important for keeping the air clean and healthy.
Emissions refer to the pollutants released into the atmosphere as a result of vehicle operation, including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. Regulations on emissions are critical for improving air quality and addressing climate change.
Ford
"Well, Ford came out, didn't they? Saying that they've made insane losses because of their attempts to go all EV."
Ford is a car company from the United States that makes many types of vehicles, including electric ones.
Ford is an American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars. Recently, they have been focusing on electric vehicles (EVs).
BMW Neue Klasse
"...look at the BMW, the Neuer class, you know."
The BMW Neue Klasse is a name used for a group of cars made by BMW in the past, and now it's also the name for a new line of electric cars they're planning to make. These cars are designed to be modern and environmentally friendly.
The BMW Neue Klasse refers to a series of vehicles produced by BMW in the 1960s and 1970s that helped establish the brand's reputation for sporty sedans. Recently, BMW has revived the Neue Klasse name for its upcoming electric vehicle platform, which aims to integrate advanced technology and sustainability into their new models.
Volkswagen Golf
"I don't know if everything Volkswagen makes, basically a Golf, anyway."
The Golf is a small car made by Volkswagen that is popular for being practical and fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been in production since 1974, known for its practicality, performance, and versatility across various trims and models.
Mercedes-Benz Aclass
"Unbelievable. And Mercedes do the same with the A-class. OK."
The A-Class is a smaller, stylish car from Mercedes that is considered a luxury vehicle. It's talked about because it makes owning a fancy car more possible for more people.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury car that offers a blend of style, comfort, and advanced technology. It's often discussed for its entry-level position in the Mercedes lineup, making luxury more accessible to a wider audience.
BMW M5
"...like when you compare the old-shape M5 and the new-shape M5, there's a huge power gain."
The BMW M5 is a fast and powerful car made by BMW. It's designed for performance and is known for being one of the best sports sedans.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It has been a benchmark in the sports sedan segment since its introduction.
weight difference
"...because there's a bloody 700-kilo weight difference."
Weight difference is how much heavier or lighter one car is compared to another. A lighter car usually drives better and is quicker.
Weight difference refers to the variation in mass between two vehicles or vehicle models, which can significantly affect performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. A lighter car generally accelerates faster and handles better.
mild hybrids
"Yeah, I think the mild hybrids are seeming to make sense. All like, you know, Porsche's T-hybrid and things like that."
Mild hybrids have a small battery and electric motor that help the gas engine run better, but they can't run on electricity alone like full hybrids can.
Mild hybrids are vehicles that use both an internal combustion engine and a small electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, but they cannot drive solely on electric power.
Porsche T-hybrid
"All like, you know, Porsche's T-hybrid and things like that. I think those ones where it's very small..."
Porsche's T-hybrid models use both a gas engine and an electric motor to make the car more efficient and powerful.
The Porsche T-hybrid refers to Porsche's line of hybrid vehicles that combine traditional combustion engines with electric power to enhance performance and efficiency.
Mclaren Artura
"So, again, yeah, Artura 296. Very small battery."
The Artura 296 is a high-performance car from McLaren that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to go faster and save fuel.
The McLaren Artura is a plug-in hybrid supercar that combines a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor for enhanced performance and efficiency.
plug-in hybrid
"I know those are plug-in hybrids, but not specific. The 296 is a plug-in hybrid."
Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home or at charging stations and can drive on electricity for a while before needing to use gas.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and can run on electric power alone for a limited range before switching to a gasoline engine.
Range Rover Sport
"...the big plug-in hybrids, the Range Rover Sports, the M5, those, I think, are making weirdly less sense..."
The Range Rover Sport is a fancy SUV that can drive well on both roads and off-road. It's designed for people who want luxury and performance.
The Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV known for its performance and off-road capabilities, blending sportiness with practicality.
2.0-litre engine
"I remember back in the day when a bloody 2.0-litre perpetual engine was horrendous on fuel. But a bloody 2.0-litre perpetual engine now is unbelievable on fuel."
A 2.0-litre engine is a type of car engine that has a total volume of 2.0 liters. It's a common size that can provide a good mix of power and fuel economy.
A 2.0-litre engine refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. This size is often associated with a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
A45
"like an A45. It's unbelievable, isn't it? I mean, it's 420 horsepower..."
The A45 is a fast and sporty version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, designed for people who want a compact car with a lot of power and great performance.
The Mercedes-Benz A45 is a high-performance variant of the A-Class hatchback, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It is equipped with a turbocharged engine that delivers impressive horsepower and performance.
horsepower
"I mean, it's 420 horsepower, and you'll get bloody 30-odd 40-to-the-gallon out of one."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower typically translating to better performance.
BYD
"the four companies I invested were Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes, and BYD."
BYD is a car company from China that focuses on making electric cars. They are working on creating more environmentally friendly vehicles.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer that specializes in electric vehicles and batteries, aiming to promote sustainable transportation.
F1
"there's a lot of noises coming out of Aston Martin F1 at the minute with the Honda tie"
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and is held on tracks around the world.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars, known for its high speeds and advanced technology.
top speed
"...with a claimed top speed of 311 miles an hour. But, hold on a second because what about the Yang Wang?..."
This is the highest speed that a car can go when everything is perfect, like the road conditions and the car's setup. It's important for understanding how fast a car can really go.
Top speed is the maximum speed a vehicle can achieve under optimal conditions. It is often used as a benchmark for performance and is a key selling point for high-performance cars.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...t's a classic Kernigsegg. And then the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 debuted as the fastest"
The Corvette is a sporty car from America that is famous for going really fast. The ZR1 model is especially known for being one of the quickest versions of this car.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car, celebrated for its performance and distinctive design. The ZR1 variant, known for being one of the fastest Corvettes, often comes up in discussions about speed and engineering excellence.
WRC
"WRC going hybrid."
WRC stands for World Rally Championship, which is a type of car racing that takes place on different surfaces like dirt and snow. It features cars that are specially built to handle tough conditions and is known for its exciting and challenging races.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is a rallying series organized by the FIA, featuring a series of races on different terrains, including gravel, tarmac, and snow. The series is known for its challenging courses and the use of production-based cars modified for competition.
Audi
"And then the Audi Dakar innovation. Yes, the RSQE Troy."
Audi is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are also involved in racing and have a reputation for high-quality vehicles.
Audi is a German automobile manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and advanced technology. The brand is part of the Volkswagen Group and has a strong presence in motorsport, including rally racing and endurance racing.
Audi RS Q e-tron
"Yes, the RSQE Troy. Oh, I'm not interested in it."
The Audi RS Q e-tron is a special car made for racing in tough off-road events like the Dakar Rally. It uses both electric power and a regular engine to perform better in difficult terrains.
The Audi RS Q e-tron is an innovative hybrid rally vehicle designed for the Dakar Rally. It combines electric motors with a traditional internal combustion engine to enhance performance and efficiency in extreme off-road conditions.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"We like this. Aston Martin vanquish. I would agree."
The Vanquish is a beautiful and powerful car made by Aston Martin, known for being very luxurious. People talk about it because it looks amazing and drives really well.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a luxury grand tourer known for its stunning design and powerful performance. It represents the pinnacle of British automotive craftsmanship and is often discussed for its elegance and driving dynamics.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Eqs
"But I think that's a good moment. Mercedes-Benz EQS and AMG EV. That thing that George Russell drove."
The EQS is a high-end electric car from Mercedes that is designed to be very comfortable and packed with technology. It's important because it shows how luxury cars are moving towards being electric.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a luxury electric sedan that combines cutting-edge technology with high-end comfort. As part of Mercedes' electric lineup, it is significant for its range, performance, and advanced features, marking a new era for the brand.
BMW Neue Klasse
"And the BMW Neuer Classe. Is that the end of the list?"
Jeep Cherokee
"...finishing the restoration of the Cherokee Valley."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV known for being good on rough terrain. It has been around for a long time and has changed a lot since it first came out.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that has been popular for its off-road capabilities and versatility. It has gone through several generations since its introduction in 1974, evolving in design and technology over the years.
Blackwing
"...the car week with the black wing was pretty amazing."
The Blackwing is a performance car from Cadillac. It's designed to be fast and sporty, making it exciting to drive.
The Blackwing is a high-performance variant of Cadillac vehicles, known for its powerful engine and sporty features. It represents Cadillac's push into the performance car market.
BMW M3
"Yeah. The new M3 will probably come next year or get some sort of ..."
The M3 is a super sporty version of a regular BMW car that is really fun to drive. It's popular because it combines being practical for daily use with a lot of power and speed.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It's a favorite among car enthusiasts for its balance of everyday usability and thrilling driving experience.
Porsche Taycan
"...Oh yeah. And I've got over Christmas a brand new Taycan 4S on loan. Which I think is a car."
The Taycan is a fancy electric car from Porsche that is designed to be very fast and high-tech. It's getting a lot of buzz because it shows how luxury cars can also be electric and powerful.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric sports sedan that showcases Porsche's commitment to performance and innovation. It has gained attention for its impressive acceleration and advanced technology, representing a shift towards electric vehicles in the luxury market.
EV
"It's been a while since I've spent considerable time with an EV probably since the 5.5 loan."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save you money on fuel.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
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