{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"State Secrets and Backseat Driving with John Chuldenko","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/state-secrets-and-backseat-driving-with-john-chuldenko","audioUrl":"https://anchor.fm/s/1037a6c10/podcast/play/119660959/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-4-7%2F423714372-44100-2-67aa5b3237e92.mp3","description":"John Chuldenko is one of those automotive journalists that we want to be more like. He’s seemingly done it all and we cover a lot of ground in this one, from what it was like producing a car show for kids, to secret enthusiast dog whistles in Porsche owners’ manuals, to a run-in with a certain Hollywood diva and the secret collection of LP records in the attic of the White House. Yes, he writes about cars but the story is often about everything else. When people ask “who needs another car podcast?\" Tell them it’s for conversations like this one, with our pal John Chuldenko. It’s That Car Show.\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":30.3,"endTime":30.3,"type":"term","title":"spring-rate rebounds","url":"/glossary/spring-rate-rebounds","quote":"It's not about compression ratios, you know, and spring-rate rebounds and things like that.","canonicalId":"term:spring-rate-rebounds","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Spring rate is how stiff a suspension spring is, and it strongly influences ride comfort and handling. “Rebound” refers to how the suspension returns after being compressed over bumps or during cornering, so rebound behavior is part of the car’s overall damping feel."}},{"startTime":30.3,"endTime":30.3,"type":"term","title":"compression ratios","url":"/glossary/compression-ratios","quote":"It's not about compression ratios, you know, and spring-rate rebounds and things like that.","canonicalId":"term:compression-ratios","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Compression ratio is an engine design parameter that describes how much the air-fuel mixture is squeezed in the cylinder before ignition. Higher or lower compression can change efficiency, power potential, and how the engine behaves under different loads.","simplifiedExplanation":"Compression ratio is how tightly an engine squeezes the fuel/air mixture before it ignites. It affects how the engine runs—like efficiency and power—so it’s a big design choice."}},{"startTime":35.2,"endTime":35.2,"type":"concept","title":"what experiences do they unlock","quote":"It's what experiences do they unlock? What emotions do they conjure?","canonicalId":"concept:what-experiences-do-they-unlock","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This frames car evaluation around the driver’s and passenger’s lived experience—how the car makes you feel—rather than focusing only on engineering numbers. It’s a “feel-first” approach to describing vehicle design and tuning outcomes.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying the important question isn’t just the technical specs—it’s what the car lets you feel and do. In other words, how it changes your experience when you drive it."}},{"startTime":56.8,"endTime":56.8,"type":"brand","title":"Porsche","url":"/glossary/porsche","quote":"From what it was like producing a car show for kids to secret enthusiast dog whistles and Porsche owner's manuals","canonicalId":"brand:porsche","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Porsche is a German sports-car brand known for performance-focused engineering and a strong enthusiast community. In this segment, it’s referenced in the context of “owner’s manuals,” implying the guest covers detailed, brand-specific car knowledge.","simplifiedExplanation":"Porsche is a well-known sports-car brand. Here it’s mentioned because the guest talks about Porsche owner information and enthusiast details."}},{"startTime":528.6,"endTime":545.6,"type":"concept","title":"auto show brochures","url":"/glossary/auto-show-brochures","quote":"like you go to the auto show and they would give you like usually a sponsor would have like a tote bag... and you'd walk around to the booths and they would just have like eight by 10 like brochures...","canonicalId":"concept:auto-show-brochures","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Auto show brochures are printed marketing materials handed out at events, typically containing model specs, photos, and brand messaging. Before widespread online publishing, these were a major way enthusiasts and journalists learned about new cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Auto show brochures are the printed pamphlets you’d pick up at car shows. Back before everything was online, they were one of the main ways people learned about new cars."}},{"startTime":545.56,"endTime":549.68,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Celica","url":"/cars/toyota/celica","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/1977_Toyota_Celica_Liftback_2000_GT.jpg","quote":"... that I thought were cool, you know, the new like Celica Supra or whatever, you know, whatever was it was ...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:celica","priority":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Celica is a compact sports coupe that’s known for being fun to drive and for having a long history as a performance-oriented model. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside the idea of a “Celica Supra,” which points to how people sometimes connect the Celica name with Toyota’s sports-car lineup. It’s discussed because it’s a recognizable nameplate for enthusiasts and often comes up when talking about Toyota’s past and future sports models.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Celica is a sporty Toyota coupe. It’s known for being a fun, performance-focused car. The episode mentions it in the context of Toyota’s sports-car names and how people relate them.","imageAttribution":"Rutger van der Maar (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":545.56,"endTime":549.68,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Supra","url":"/cars/toyota/supra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2019_Toyota_Supra_NASCAR_Xfinity_Series_Race_Car_front%2C_NYIAS_2019.jpg","quote":"I would just collect all of the ones that I thought were cool, you know, the new like Celica Supra or whatever, you know, whatever was it was going on.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:supra","priority":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker mentions “Celica Supra,” which sounds like a mix-up between Toyota’s Celica and the Supra nameplate. Both are Toyota sports cars, but they’re different models with different histories and generations.","simplifiedExplanation":"They mention “Celica Supra,” but that’s likely a name mix-up. Celica and Supra are both Toyota sports cars, but they’re not the same model.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0"}},{"startTime":574.98,"endTime":584.3,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 924","url":"/cars/porsche/924","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Porsche_924_5311576.jpg","quote":"I had bought a 924, 1982 Porsche 924, and I was looking through the owners, we came with the owners manual...","canonicalId":"car:porsche:924","priority":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 924 is a front-engine sports coupe that became a gateway model for Porsche fans in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It’s notable because it helped establish Porsche’s reputation for practical performance before the brand’s later, more iconic rear-engine 911 era dominance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 924 is an older Porsche sports car from the early 1980s. It’s a good example of how Porsche built “real car” performance before the 911 became the main thing people think of.","imageAttribution":"Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":575.0,"endTime":607.8,"type":"term","title":"owners manual","url":"/glossary/owners-manual","quote":"I had bought a 924, 1982 Porsche 924, and I was looking through the owners, we came with the owners manual... because now they have to tell you, you know, don't drink the antiprees...","canonicalId":"term:owners-manual","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An owners manual is the manufacturer’s guide that explains how to operate and maintain a specific car model. It often includes safety warnings and basic usage instructions tailored to that vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"An owners manual is the book (or PDF) that comes with a car telling you how to use it safely. It also includes important warnings and basic maintenance guidance."}},{"startTime":584.3,"endTime":592.0,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 993","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/2025_Porsche_992_Carrera_convertible_DSC_7024_%28cropped%29.jpg","quote":"I was looking through the owners manual and the first paragraph there, which is actually also lifted in my 993 owners manual too.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 993 is the last generation of the air-cooled Porsche 911, and it’s famous for being the end of an era. It’s also known for being a more refined, modern-feeling 911 while still keeping the classic air-cooled character.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 993 is a specific generation of the 911, and it’s the last one with the classic air-cooled setup. Enthusiasts often treat it as a “final form” of the older-style 911.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":604.3,"endTime":607.8,"type":"term","title":"antiprees","quote":"because now they have to tell you, you know, don't drink the antiprees, you know, but back then it was like real, right?","canonicalId":"term:antiprees","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Antiprees” appears to be a transcription error for “antifreeze,” the coolant additive used to regulate engine temperature. Owners manuals warn against ingesting it because it’s toxic.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Antiprees” is almost certainly “antifreeze,” the fluid that helps the engine run at the right temperature. It’s poisonous if swallowed, so manuals include warnings like that."}},{"startTime":761.3,"endTime":766.2,"type":"car","title":"Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio","url":"/cars/alfa-romeo/giulia","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/1964_Alfa_Romeo_Giulia_TZ1_Red.jpg","quote":"So, so we make backseat drivers and it was so fun coming up with these episodes. It's like, um, all right, what if we get an Alfa Romeo, Julia Quadrifoglio and turn it into like a pizza delivery car?","canonicalId":"car:alfa romeo:giulia quadrifoglio","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is Alfa Romeo’s high-performance version of the Giulia, built around a powerful engine and a sport-focused chassis. In the episode, it’s used as the base for a stunt “pizza delivery” scenario, which highlights how capable it is for playful, controlled driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a sporty, high-performance version of the Giulia. They’re using it for a fun stunt, basically testing how well it can handle crazy driving tasks safely.","imageAttribution":"MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":761.32,"endTime":765.54,"type":"car","title":"Alfa Romeo Julia","url":"/cars/alfa-romeo/giulia","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/1964_Alfa_Romeo_Giulia_TZ1_Red.jpg","quote":"It totally is. So, so we make backseat drivers and it was so fun coming up with these episodes. It's like, um, all right, what if we get an Alfa Romeo, Julia Quadrifoglio and turn it into like a pizza delivery car? So I got like, um, uh, um, uh, uh, let's call this stunt driver, Sarah,","canonicalId":"car:alfa romeo:giulia","priority":0.3,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"imageAttribution":"MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":810.58,"endTime":816.16,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model X","url":"/cars/tesla/model-x","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/HiPhi_X_and_Tesla_Model_X_20210323.jpg","quote":"And then we did, um, it was back when like the Model X had like Tesla had like a self parking and I wanted to find out, well, okay, could it really do it?","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model x","priority":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV known for advanced driver-assistance features. Here, the hosts discuss Tesla’s self-parking capability and test whether it can work reliably in a real-world scenario.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV. They’re talking about whether it can park itself using its automated parking feature.","imageAttribution":"Evnerd (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":810.6,"endTime":818.2,"type":"term","title":"self parking","url":"/glossary/self-parking","quote":"it was back when like the Model X had like Tesla had like a self parking and I wanted to find out, well, okay, could it really do it?","canonicalId":"term:self-parking","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Self parking” refers to a driver-assistance system that can steer the car into a parking space with minimal driver input. The episode treats it like a real test—can the system actually do it reliably, not just in ideal conditions?","simplifiedExplanation":"Self parking is a feature where the car helps steer itself into a parking spot. The hosts are basically asking if it works for real, not just in commercials."}},{"startTime":816.2,"endTime":820.0,"type":"term","title":"autopilot","url":"/glossary/autopilot","quote":"and I wanted to find out, well, okay, could it really do it? And like, who's a better Parker, the Tesla and autopilot or like an eight year old girl.","canonicalId":"term:autopilot","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Autopilot is Tesla’s umbrella name for driver-assistance features that can handle certain driving tasks like lane keeping and adaptive speed control. In the segment, it’s mentioned as part of the comparison for who/what can perform the parking maneuver.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autopilot is Tesla’s system that can help with driving tasks. It’s not fully “hands-off” in every situation, but it can assist with things like staying in the lane and controlling speed."}},{"startTime":824.5,"endTime":833.0,"type":"part","title":"e-brake","url":"/glossary/e-brake","quote":"And then the eight year old was in a Fiat 500, um, with Sarah in the passenger seat, like on the e-brake just in case I'm witness, but like she could totally do it.","canonicalId":"part:e-brake","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The e-brake (electronic parking brake) is used to hold the car stationary. In the segment, it’s referenced as a safety backup while a child is in the driver’s seat, emphasizing that the car is kept from rolling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The e-brake is the parking brake. They mention it as a safety measure so the car doesn’t move unexpectedly."}},{"startTime":824.5,"endTime":829.38,"type":"car","title":"Fiat 500","url":"/cars/fiat/500","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/12_Fiat_500_%286038238562%29.jpg","quote":"And then the eight year old was in a Fiat 500, um, with Sarah in the passenger seat, like on the e-brake just in case I'm witness, but like she could totally do it.","canonicalId":"car:fiat:500","priority":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Fiat 500 is a small, city-focused car that’s easy to maneuver and typically used as a practical “starter” vehicle. In this segment, it’s used as the contrast to the Tesla’s automated parking test, with an eight-year-old in the driver’s seat (with safety precautions).","simplifiedExplanation":"The Fiat 500 is a small car that’s meant for easy driving in tight spaces. They use it in the story as the “human” comparison to the Tesla’s self-parking.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0"}},{"startTime":853.88,"endTime":858.02,"type":"car","title":"Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid","url":"/cars/porsche/cayenne","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Porsche_Porsche_cayenne_Turbo_Matte_black_%286406501887%29.jpg","quote":"We did like a grocery store, shopping cart, um, slalom. So like shopping carts put like in a parking lot and like, and ripped a, um, Cayenne E hybrid, uh, sort of through there and they had like load groceries and then do it backwards.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:cayenne","priority":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid version of the Cayenne SUV, combining an internal-combustion engine with electric drive. The episode uses it as the “real car” that drives through a slalom while loading groceries, showing it can handle low-speed precision maneuvers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a Porsche SUV that uses both gas and electricity. They’re using it for a stunt where it drives through a slalom while carrying groceries.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0"}},{"startTime":1026.0,"endTime":1031.9,"type":"brand","title":"PCA","url":"/glossary/pca","quote":"at Porsche Panorama, the PCA magazine. Yeah, I love Rob. And he loved, oh my gosh.","canonicalId":"brand:pca","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"PCA stands for Porsche Club of America. It’s one of the biggest Porsche enthusiast organizations in the U.S., and its magazine is referenced as the venue for the editor-in-chief.","simplifiedExplanation":"PCA is the Porsche Club of America. It’s a big Porsche fan organization, and they publish a magazine mentioned in the segment."}},{"startTime":1066.3,"endTime":1072.2,"type":"concept","title":"sealed in their little car","quote":"like during a time when everything is so dark and everything is so locked down, like these machines, these, these, these cars can be a safe way to, you know, because it was sealed in their little car.","canonicalId":"concept:sealed-in-their-little-car","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker is describing how, during lockdown conditions, cars can function as a personal, contained space. In enthusiast terms, it highlights how driving and car culture can still provide connection even when social life is restricted."}},{"startTime":1168.0,"endTime":1171.0,"type":"term","title":"coma","quote":"Fiancé dies. He is gravely, like, like not gonna, like maybe not going to make it, you know, coma, ventilator, all this kind of stuff.","canonicalId":"term:coma","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A coma is a medical state where a person is unresponsive and cannot be awakened normally. In the context of severe trauma from a crash, it indicates critical injury and a long recovery timeline.","simplifiedExplanation":"A coma is when someone is not awake or responsive because of serious injury. It usually means the person needs intensive medical care and time to recover."}},{"startTime":1169.8,"endTime":1173.0,"type":"term","title":"ventilator","url":"/glossary/ventilator","quote":"coma, ventilator, all this kind of stuff.","canonicalId":"term:ventilator","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A ventilator is a machine that helps a patient breathe when their lungs or breathing muscles can’t function well enough on their own. After major trauma, it’s often used to support breathing during critical recovery.","simplifiedExplanation":"A ventilator is a machine that helps someone breathe when they can’t breathe well enough by themselves. It’s commonly used in serious medical emergencies."}},{"startTime":1178.3,"endTime":1182.0,"type":"brand","title":"Petrolicious","url":"/glossary/petrolicious","quote":"He was featured in like Petrolicious and stuff. He was like a car guy, right?","canonicalId":"brand:petrolicious","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Petrolicious is an automotive media brand known for storytelling and video features focused on car culture and enthusiasts. Being featured by them signals the person was recognized within that car community.","simplifiedExplanation":"Petrolicious is a car-culture media outlet that highlights interesting cars and the people behind them. If someone was featured there, it usually means they were well-known in the enthusiast world."}},{"startTime":1200.3,"endTime":1204.2,"type":"term","title":"turn signal","url":"/glossary/turn-signal","quote":"And I was going to learn how to use a turn signal, cause like the whole side of his butt, right?","canonicalId":"term:turn-signal","priority":0.15,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A turn signal is the vehicle’s indicator system used to communicate intended direction changes to other drivers. In the story, it’s mentioned as a basic driving skill that the person had to relearn after injury.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turn signal is the light you use to tell other drivers you’re turning or changing lanes. The speaker is saying the injured driver had to relearn even that simple habit."}},{"startTime":1218.1,"endTime":1241.5,"type":"term","title":"Tiptronic","url":"/glossary/tiptronic","quote":"So he gets, he finds a, uh, sleep, I think, uh, 964 in Tiptronic.\nNow, how many times have you talked with your friends and be like, Oh man, I saw this car in auction.","canonicalId":"term:tiptronic","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Tiptronic is Porsche’s name for an automatic transmission that can also be manually controlled. It’s designed to let the driver choose gears (often via a lever or buttons) while still having the convenience of an automatic.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tiptronic is an automatic transmission that also lets you manually pick gears if you want. In the episode, it’s the reason this specific car works for the person’s needs."}},{"startTime":1280.6,"endTime":1292.0,"type":"concept","title":"cars shortcut all of the small talk","quote":"And I think Batsom sums it up, you know, and I quote him\nall the time where he says, yeah, cars shortcut all of the small talk, and you just jump into a\nfriendship.","canonicalId":"concept:cars-shortcut-all-of-the-small-talk","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is a social concept about how car conversations can quickly create connection. The idea is that shared interest in cars provides an easy entry point into deeper friendship, bypassing more generic “small talk.”","simplifiedExplanation":"The host is saying cars can help people connect faster. Instead of doing awkward small talk, you can start with something you both care about."}},{"startTime":1801.6,"endTime":1826.8,"type":"topic","title":"automobile as the \"pace\" for travel","url":"/glossary/automobile-as-the-pace-for-travel","quote":"in the car world... I truly believe that the automobile that driving is the perfect pace with which to see the world... you can stop... experience... get back in and then keep going.","canonicalId":"topic:automobile-as-the-pace-for-travel","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts discuss the idea that driving provides an ideal rhythm for exploring—stop, experience, return to the car, and keep going. It’s a thematic framing of why cars matter beyond transportation.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about how driving changes the way you travel—like you can stop and explore, then keep going. It’s about why cars make trips feel more like an experience."}},{"startTime":1812.9,"endTime":1820.5,"type":"term","title":"road trip","url":"/glossary/road-trip","quote":"there's such a beauty to that, you know, there's such a romance to the road trip, you know?","canonicalId":"term:road-trip","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A road trip is a driving-focused travel style where you stop along the way, then continue to the next destination. The host uses it as a “romance” of driving—highlighting how cars let you pace your travel and experiences.","simplifiedExplanation":"A road trip is when you drive to a destination and also stop at places along the way. The host is basically saying driving lets you experience more than just arriving."}},{"startTime":1846.6,"endTime":1876.0,"type":"term","title":"Michelin guide","url":"/glossary/michelin-guide","quote":"there's so many misconceptions about the Michelin guide, you know, the restaurant guide... it's like, no, no, no, that was a book from a tire company to get you out driving.","canonicalId":"term:michelin-guide","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Michelin Guide is a restaurant rating guide published by the Michelin tire company. In the episode, it’s framed as originating from Michelin’s tire business strategy—encouraging people to drive to destinations and, in the process, wear out and replace tires.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Michelin Guide is a famous restaurant rating book. The host is saying it started as a tire-company idea to get people driving to places to eat—so they’d use more tires."}},{"startTime":1943.7,"endTime":1948.9,"type":"brand","title":"Audi","url":"/glossary/audi","quote":"So so I stopped and I'm talking with chef Kyle and, you know, he's, he's an Audi guy. And like, we're talking about cars","canonicalId":"brand:audi","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Audi is a major German car brand known for engineering-focused cars and a wide range of performance models. Here it’s mentioned because chef Kyle identifies as an “Audi guy,” setting up the conversation that leads into the Ferrari Roma story.","simplifiedExplanation":"Audi is a well-known car brand from Germany. In this part of the conversation, it’s used to explain the chef’s car taste before they talk about the Ferrari."}},{"startTime":1948.9,"endTime":1960.0,"type":"car","title":"Ferrari Roma","url":"/cars/ferrari/roma","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/2020_Ferrari_Roma.jpg","quote":"And like, we're talking about cars and that he's like, no, I saw the car. Oh, I did it in the Ferrari Roma, which is, I think I wrote it's like, it's a car I can crush on.","canonicalId":"car:ferrari:roma","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ferrari Roma is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Ferrari known for its elegant grand-touring style rather than raw track aggression. In the episode, John Chuldenko describes the Roma as the car that triggered a “crush” feeling—highlighting how emotionally engaging it can be.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ferrari Roma is a Ferrari that’s built more for stylish, enjoyable driving than for racing. The host is saying the Roma made him feel really excited—like he instantly “liked” it a lot.","imageAttribution":"Dylan Johnson (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2164.5,"endTime":2169.6,"type":"term","title":"braking by wire","url":"/glossary/braking-by-wire","quote":"And it's like, well, how do we tweak that? And how do you do it in a digital age where there are by wire, you know, drive by, you know, pedal by wire and breaking by wire and those kind of things.","canonicalId":"term:braking-by-wire","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Braking by wire uses electronic controls to command braking instead of relying solely on a direct mechanical/hydraulic linkage from the pedal. It allows more sophisticated brake-by-brake control for stability and traction systems, but it also requires careful baseline calibration and safety logic.","simplifiedExplanation":"Your brake pedal sends signals to the car’s computer, which then controls the brakes. This can make braking feel more consistent and work better with traction and stability features."}},{"startTime":2164.5,"endTime":2169.6,"type":"term","title":"drive-by-wire","url":"/glossary/drive-by-wire","quote":"And it's like, well, how do we tweak that? And how do you do it in a digital age where there are by wire, you know, drive by, you know, pedal by wire and breaking by wire and those kind of things.","canonicalId":"term:drive-by-wire","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Drive-by-wire replaces mechanical linkages (like cables or rods) with electronic signals to control the car. That lets engineers tune throttle response and stability systems more precisely, and it’s a key enabler for modern “digital” vehicle calibration.","simplifiedExplanation":"Instead of a direct mechanical connection between your pedal and the engine, the car uses sensors and computers. That means the computer can adjust how the car responds more precisely."}},{"startTime":2164.5,"endTime":2169.6,"type":"term","title":"pedal by wire","url":"/glossary/pedal-by-wire","quote":"And it's like, well, how do we tweak that? And how do you do it in a digital age where there are by wire, you know, drive by, you know, pedal by wire and breaking by wire and those kind of things.","canonicalId":"term:pedal-by-wire","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Pedal by wire means the accelerator pedal position is read by sensors and converted into electronic commands, rather than moving a throttle body via a cable. This improves repeatability and makes it easier to tailor throttle response across driving modes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Instead of a cable pulling the throttle, sensors measure what you’re asking for with the pedal. The computer then tells the engine what to do."}},{"startTime":2173.4,"endTime":2178.2,"type":"term","title":"setting baselines","url":"/glossary/setting-baselines","quote":"And what was interesting was like, to understand that like, it's about setting baselines, like he can, because it's digital, he can set a baseline where he knows it's going to be good. And then everything else is just the, you know, just making it better and from good.","canonicalId":"term:setting-baselines","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In vehicle development, “setting baselines” means establishing a known-good starting calibration for how systems behave before iterating. With digital controls, engineers can lock in a baseline response and then refine it to make the car better “from good.”"}},{"startTime":2276.9,"endTime":2312.6,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen GTI","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Volkswagen_Golf_II_GTI_16V_IMG_9644.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail","quote":"So found a, what is it? 2014? GTI? Mark six. 2013. I hadn't been in a GTI in probably 20 years. I get behind the wheel.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:gti","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen GTI is a compact “hot hatch” known for being fun and practical at the same time. In this segment, the host highlights how getting back into a GTI after a long time feels right again—especially because it’s relatively light compared with bigger vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen GTI is a small sporty car that’s meant to be fun to drive without giving up everyday usability. Here, the point is that it feels lively partly because it’s not as heavy as many other cars people drive.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2289.5,"endTime":2300.3,"type":"part","title":"Michelin PS4S","url":"/glossary/michelin-ps4-s","quote":"I get behind the wheel. I put a set of a ps4s Michelin's on it. I get behind those wheel dyes.","canonicalId":"part:michelin-ps4s","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Michelin PS4S refers to a performance tire model designed for strong grip in both dry and wet conditions. The host’s reaction (“they got this right”) ties the tire choice to how the GTI feels—better traction and steering feel can make a car feel dramatically more “right.”","simplifiedExplanation":"Michelin PS4S is a type of performance tire. Tires can change how a car grips the road and how confident it feels when you turn or accelerate."}},{"startTime":2295.6,"endTime":2307.0,"type":"term","title":"bang for your buck","url":"/glossary/bang-for-your-buck","quote":"I was like, Oh, they got this right. I mean, I was like, for what, for bang for your buck? It was like 13 grand.","canonicalId":"term:bang-for-your-buck","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"\"Bang for your buck\" is a value-focused phrase meaning you get a lot of benefit for the money you spend. In car talk, it usually refers to how much driving enjoyment, capability, or features you get relative to the price.","simplifiedExplanation":"\"Bang for your buck\" just means “is it worth the price?” In cars, people use it to talk about whether you’re getting a lot of fun or capability for what you pay."}},{"startTime":2318.5,"endTime":2345.8,"type":"term","title":"weight","url":"/glossary/weight","quote":"they're joyful cars again, like, because it's light. What's what, 3000 pounds or something? You know, I think when people... equate that to weight.","canonicalId":"term:weight","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In driving feel discussions, weight is a major factor because it affects how quickly the car accelerates, brakes, and changes direction. The host argues that a lighter car (often under about 3,000 pounds) tends to feel more “fun” because it’s less of a physical effort to move around.","simplifiedExplanation":"Weight matters because heavier cars take more effort to speed up, slow down, and turn. That’s why lighter cars often feel more agile and playful."}},{"startTime":2351.3,"endTime":2366.7,"type":"concept","title":"physical experience of driving","quote":"I love a truck and an SUV probably more than the average person, but it's a different feeling. It's a very different physical experience.","canonicalId":"concept:physical-experience-of-driving","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host contrasts driving a lighter car versus a truck/SUV by describing how weight changes the “physical experience” of motion. This is about how the driver perceives size, mass, and effort—how the car communicates through steering, braking, and body movement.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about how different cars feel in your body. A heavy truck or SUV can feel like you’re pushing around a lot of mass, while a lighter car feels more nimble and responsive."}},{"startTime":2553.5,"endTime":2577.8,"type":"term","title":"off-road course","url":"/glossary/off-road-course","quote":"Land Rover will let children, as young as 11 years old, drive freaking cars. Yes. Like through their like off-road course, right? Which is like, it's a basic off-road course, but for people who haven't done it at none, it's challenging.","canonicalId":"term:off-road-course","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An off-road course is a controlled training area designed to teach drivers how to handle traction loss, uneven surfaces, and obstacles. This segment describes elements like climbs and tip-over ramps, which are meant to build confidence and show how the vehicle behaves off pavement.","simplifiedExplanation":"An off-road course is a practice area where people learn to drive on rough ground. It uses obstacles to help drivers understand how the car handles when the surface isn’t flat or predictable."}},{"startTime":2577.8,"endTime":2583.0,"type":"term","title":"right-hand drive","url":"/glossary/right-hand-drive","quote":"it's, uh, it's right hand drive, right? So, um, instructors here and there's like an extra little brake pedal just in case, you know, and she's like creeping through like the woods","canonicalId":"term:right-hand-drive","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Right-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle. It’s common in the UK and other countries, and it changes how you sit and how instructors/driver controls are positioned during training.","simplifiedExplanation":"Right-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. That’s normal in places like the UK, and it affects how the driver sits and controls the car."}},{"startTime":2583.0,"endTime":2586.5,"type":"term","title":"extra brake pedal","url":"/glossary/extra-brake-pedal","quote":"So, um, instructors here and there's like an extra little brake pedal just in case, you know, and she's like creeping through like the woods","canonicalId":"term:extra-brake-pedal","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An extra brake pedal is a dual-control setup used by instructors so they can intervene instantly. It’s common in driver training because it lets the instructor apply braking even if the student makes a mistake.","simplifiedExplanation":"The extra brake pedal is there so the instructor can brake immediately if needed. It’s a safety feature used during training."}},{"startTime":2606.8,"endTime":2615.7,"type":"term","title":"tip-over ramps","url":"/glossary/tip-over-ramps","quote":"and I looked at the elation on her face, you know, and you get out and they do these big, you know, these like sort of tip over ramps and stuff. And it's, it's fun for, it was fun for me in the backseat, right?","canonicalId":"term:tip-over-ramps","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Tip-over ramps are training obstacles shaped to simulate a vehicle leaning toward its rollover limit. They help drivers learn how to control the vehicle’s balance and steering inputs when the car is on an extreme angle.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tip-over ramps are ramps designed to make a car tilt a lot, safely. They’re used so drivers can learn how the car feels and how to stay in control when it’s leaning."}},{"startTime":2628.8,"endTime":2632.1,"type":"concept","title":"ice driving experience","url":"/glossary/ice-driving-experience","quote":"it's like anybody's like first off-road experience or ice driving experience like, oh, this is not, this doesn't bathe the way it does on Melrose Avenue","canonicalId":"concept:ice-driving-experience","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An ice driving experience is a training scenario where the road surface has very low traction, forcing drivers to learn smooth inputs and how the car responds when tires lose grip. It’s used to teach control skills that also matter off-road, where traction can be unpredictable.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ice driving is when you practice on a slippery surface so you learn what to do when the tires don’t grip well. It helps drivers learn control techniques that are useful anywhere traction is unpredictable."}},{"startTime":3356.9,"endTime":3361.4,"type":"concept","title":"endurance races","url":"/glossary/endurance-races","quote":"we would watch the races at Sebring and be super into it, yeah, he would take the boys down and they would go to races, and they would watch the, you know, the endurance races at Sebrings","canonicalId":"concept:endurance-races","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Endurance races are long-duration motorsport events where cars must keep running reliably over extended time, often with driver changes. The strategy is as important as outright speed because teams manage heat, fuel, tires, and mechanical wear to finish the full distance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Endurance races are long races where the car has to last. Teams plan for things like driver changes and keeping the car running for the whole event, not just going fast for a short time."}},{"startTime":3415.8,"endTime":3439.6,"type":"car","title":"Ineos Grenadier","url":"/cars/ineos/grenadier","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/2022_05_19_Giro_d%27Italia-47_%2852084443989%29.jpg","quote":"Tomorrow at 6 30 in the morning, it's wheels up for an owner's drive. I'm not an owner, but I'm joining an owner's drive with the Ineos Grenadier up in Moab.","canonicalId":"car:ineos:grenadier","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ineos Grenadier is a modern off-road SUV built with a traditional, rugged approach—think body-on-frame style capability and a focus on getting through rough terrain. In this segment, the host is joining an owners’ drive in Moab to experience it firsthand, including being behind the wheel for the first time.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ineos Grenadier is a tough off-road SUV meant for rough trails, not just city driving. Here, the host is going to Moab with other owners to try it out and learn what people like about it.","imageAttribution":"Città di Parma (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":3415.8,"endTime":3427.6,"type":"topic","title":"owner's drive","url":"/glossary/owner-s-drive","quote":"Tomorrow at 6 30 in the morning, it's wheels up for an owner's drive. I'm not an owner, but I'm joining an owner's drive with the Ineos Grenadier up in Moab.","canonicalId":"topic:owner-s-drive","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An owners’ drive is a group trip organized for people who own a specific vehicle, typically including guided routes and opportunities to meet other owners. Here, it’s tied to the Ineos Grenadier and a trip to Moab.","simplifiedExplanation":"An owners’ drive is a meet-up where people who own the same car go on a trip together. In this case, it’s for Ineos Grenadier owners heading to Moab."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Ryan Bahrke","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Dan Pilling","role":"host"},{"id":"s3","name":"Lindsey Jesch","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/state-secrets-and-backseat-driving-with-john-chuldenko/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}