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That should have been made!

That should have been made!

Car Torque with Matty J Jun 10, 2026 88 min
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About this episode

The conversation swings from “should have been made” car fantasies to real-world repair headaches. They compare what enthusiasts want—manual, fast wagons and hot-hatch/wagon variants—to how manufacturers and dealers fall short. Along the way, they swap stories about insurance-directed bodywork, parts that can’t be canceled, and misaligned panels after repairs. The show also covers projects and swaps (K20s, engine donors, DSG fixes), plus a quiz that lands on models like the Daihatsu Rocky and Mitsubishi Verada.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

Preferred recommended panel shop from the insurer

"[378.3s] Preferred recommended panel shop from the insurer. [381.1s] Anyway, my sister and I went to pick up the car. [385.4s] The actual bonnet didn't line with the right hand side,"

Sometimes an insurance company recommends a specific repair shop. That can make the process faster, but it doesn’t guarantee the repair quality will be great. The speaker is saying they used the insurer’s recommended shop and still got a bad result.

Term

bonnet

"[385.4s] The actual bonnet didn't line with the right hand side, [389.7s] sorry, the left hand side, passenger side. [392.3s] Didn't line up at all with the guard that wasn't hit."

A bonnet is the front hood of the car (the part you open to see the engine). If it doesn’t line up properly after a repair, it can mean the body panels weren’t fitted correctly. They also mention the insulation inside the bonnet was left loose.

Term

guard

"[392.3s] Didn't line up at all with the guard that wasn't hit. [395.3s] Didn't line up with the new guard that was put on. [398.2s] Everything was all skew if and up high."

A guard is the outer panel around the wheel—what many people elsewhere call a fender. After repairs, it should line up cleanly with the hood/bonnet and other panels. They’re saying the alignment was wrong after the guard was replaced.

Term

bumper bar

"[398.2s] Everything was all skew if and up high. [399.9s] There was chips on the new bumper bar and it replaced [404.0s] only one section of the lower plastic, so broken,"

The bumper bar is the main bumper structure behind the outer bumper cover. If it’s chipped or the wrong pieces were reused, the bumper may not fit right or protect as intended. They’re describing a repair that left visible chips and mixed old/new lower parts.

Term

mill

"There was a couple of mill out and there's a, there's a swage line that sort of runs from the front door into the bonnet."

In bodywork talk, a “mill” usually means a thousandth of an inch (0.001 in), or it may be used informally to mean a very small measurement. When someone says “a couple of mill out,” they’re describing a tiny panel-gap or alignment error that still looks obvious up close. In practice, panel gaps are often measured in millimeters, but the speaker’s “mill” indicates a very small tolerance.

Term

swage line

"There was a couple of mill out and there's a, there's a swage line that sort of runs from the front door into the bonnet."

A “swage line” is a raised or creased line in the car’s body panels. It helps the car look sculpted and it should line up smoothly across neighboring panels. If the hood is slightly off, that line won’t match up the way it should.

Company

Hyundai

"It's, they've reported it to Hyundai and it'll have to go to a"

Hyundai is the car brand. Here, the shop is saying they reported the bonnet misalignment to Hyundai, which usually means the problem goes through the official dealer/manufacturer process instead of just being adjusted and forgotten.

Acura Integra
DestinationFearFan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Acura Integra

"So that's completely fine. I've been driving the Integra a bit, which has been really nice. Have had that,..."

The Acura Integra is a compact car that’s made to feel sporty to drive. In the podcast, the speaker says they’ve been driving one and enjoying it. It’s being mentioned because it’s a fun, everyday-size performance car.

Term

600 CC engine

"[1013.4s] So send me some details. [1015.4s] So he sent me a photo of it running. [1016.8s] So it now has a 600 CC engine from the rusty car in it,"

“600 CC” tells you how big the engine is. In this story, they put a 600cc engine into the project car so it could run again.

Car

Fiat 600

"...y car in it, with a disc brake front end from the 600s that the 360s didn't have."

The Fiat 600 is an older, small car. The podcast is talking about differences in parts like brakes between similar small cars. It’s mentioned as part of that history of how these compact models were built.

Car

Subaru 360

"...ith a disc brake front end from the 600s that the 360s didn't have."

The Subaru 360 is a very small, older-style car. The podcast is talking about how it had certain parts, and how other similar small Subarus had upgrades like disc brakes. It’s a historical example of tiny-car engineering.

Term

disc brake

"with a disc brake front end from the 600s that the 360s [1025.0s] didn't have."

Disc brakes use a spinning metal disc and pads that clamp onto it to slow the car down. They usually work more consistently than older drum brakes, especially when you brake more than once.

Concept

running going car just doesn't stop because the brakes haven't been sorted out yet

"So it's a running going car just doesn't stop because the [1033.4s] brakes haven't been sorted out yet."

The car can run and move, but the brakes aren’t working properly yet. That means it’s not safe to drive until the braking problem is fixed.

Term

station wagon

"the main reason I got it is because it's actually falls [1051.5s] into the class of very cool cars that everyone on the car [1055.1s] talk podcast loves to station wagon. [1057.2s] It's not a panel."

A station wagon is like a sedan, but with a bigger cargo area behind the back seats. It’s meant for carrying people and luggage without switching to a van or SUV.

Term

sliding side windows

"And there's one line in it that says also available as a station wagon, which had had chrome wheel trims sliding side windows, which this car doesn't have."

Sliding side windows move left and right on tracks instead of swinging open. The hosts mention them because the station wagon version had them, but this particular car doesn’t.

Term

chrome wheel trims

"And there's one line in it that says also available as a station wagon, which had had chrome wheel trims sliding side windows, which this car doesn't have."

Chrome wheel trims are shiny decorative pieces on or around the wheels. The hosts are pointing out that the station wagon version had these, but this car doesn’t.

Term

600 engine

"And the fact it has a 600 engine, which they never had from the factory. So it's sort of like a sports wagon."

“600 engine” usually means a small 600cc engine. The hosts are saying it’s surprising because this car model typically didn’t come from the factory with that smaller engine option.

Concept

sports wagon

"So it's sort of like a sports wagon. Really. You know, it's a scam sports wagon. So I think sports wagons at your heart out."

A sports wagon is a wagon that’s meant to feel more sporty than a normal family wagon. The hosts are joking that this one is “sports” in name or vibe, but not in the usual way people expect.

Term

10 inch contesta mag wheels

"So nice set of little 10 inch contesta mag wheels and pubits. My booster motor."

“Mag wheels” usually means lightweight alloy wheels instead of steel. The wheel size matters because it changes what tires can fit and can affect how the car drives.

Term

booster motor

"So nice set of little 10 inch contesta mag wheels and pubits. My booster motor. I think that's somebody who works on high boost, the powered car, radical race cars."

A “booster motor” here sounds like something added to help increase boost pressure. Boost is extra compressed air going into the engine to make more power.

Term

high boost

"My booster motor. I think that's somebody who works on high boost, the powered car, radical race cars. So probably that wouldn't be a bad idea."

“High boost” means the turbo is pushing more pressure into the engine than usual. More boost can make more power, but it also puts more strain on the engine and needs careful setup.

Concept

frightening people at the lights

"but you know, Rome wasn't built in a day, but talking about frightening people at the lights, I'm about to send out around an ad."

This is basically the idea of making other drivers surprised when the light turns green. It’s about quick acceleration right off the line.

Car

first gen Honda Jazz

"We have a gentleman in our club who's come along to a couple of events. He has a first gen Honda Jazz that they bought new in 2007."

A Honda Jazz is a small hatchback that’s popular because it’s roomy for its size. Here they’re talking about an older, first-generation one that someone bought new in 2007.

K 20 transplant
Zehra Dincer, Jinghua Piao, Lei Niu, Yosif Ganat, Sonja Kriks, Bastian Zimmer, Song-Hai Shi, Viviane Tabar, Lorenz Studer (CC BY 3.0)
Car

K 20 transplant

"but he somewhat enhanced the jazz so that it now has a fully engineered K 20 transplant."

A “K 20 transplant” is when someone takes a Honda K20 engine and puts it into a different car. That’s a big upgrade because the engine is the heart of the car, and it changes how it accelerates and drives. It usually also requires extra parts and fitting to make everything work together.

Term

fully engineered

"fully engineered a list of as long as your arm of applications, but done absolutely superbly, like absolutely by the book and completely."

“Fully engineered” usually means the car wasn’t just modified with random parts. It suggests the changes were planned and set up properly so everything works together. In this case, it’s describing a serious, well-thought-out performance build.

Term

Alcantara

"It's got Alcantara, you know, dash and door trims and steering wheel and stuff."

Alcantara is a soft, suede-like material used inside cars. It’s used on things like the steering wheel and dashboard because it feels nice and looks high-end. It’s mostly about feel and appearance rather than speed.

Term

suspension

"All the suspension's been done. It's all Matt, all, you know, chip, you name it."

Suspension is what helps the car ride smoothly and handle turns. If the suspension has been “done,” it usually means it’s been upgraded so the car feels more controlled and less bouncy. It affects both comfort and handling.

Term

RTV

"He said, uh, an FG, RTV, because they didn't do an RTV in the FG."

RTV is a type of silicone sealant used to help seal joints and prevent leaks. Here they’re talking about whether a certain car/generation used that sealant or not.

Term

V E / V F crewman

"Yeah. V E slash V F crewman. Cause they, they didn't do them in a, in a crewman."

“Crewman” here is a specific variant of a vehicle, and “VE/VF” are codes that identify which version/generation they mean. They’re using it to explain that a certain sealing method wasn’t used on that variant.

Concept

Type R

"He said, imagine a jazz type R. I think a jazz type R like, like, or even like a jazz RS or something,"

“Type R” is Honda’s label for their most performance-focused versions of a car. When they say “Jazz Type R,” they mean a Jazz that’s been turned into a real hot hatch, not just a regular commuter.

Term

aftermarket support

"The aftermarket support for that car is ridiculous. So I didn't realize how, how full on it is."

Aftermarket support just means there are lots of extra parts and upgrade options made by companies other than the car brand. More support usually makes it easier to modify the car the way you want.

Concept

jazz platform

"The other thing I really wish they had have done on the jazz platform was a [1827.9s] little convertible like NMX five competitor. [1831.8s] I mean, it's such a, such a great chassis."

A “platform” is the shared underlying structure a car is built on. The host is saying they wish Honda had used the Jazz’s basic design to make a small convertible sports car.

Car

Honda S2000

"Uh, it wouldn't, it wouldn't have been harder. [1841.0s] I mean, the S 2000 was quite expensive at the time when they came out, [1844.7s] but imagine a, imagine S 1500."

The Honda S2000 is a small, fun roadster made by Honda. It’s famous for being light and for its engine that revs really high. Here, they’re talking about how expensive it was when new.

Car

S 660

"No, there's an S 660, which is a K car with the 660 DC engine."

The Honda S 660 is a tiny, sporty roadster made by Honda. It’s the kind of car enthusiasts like because it’s light and handles well, and the hosts are talking about making it even more performance-focused.

Term

K car

"No, there's an S 660, which is a K car with the 660 DC engine."

A “K car” is a special category of small car in Japan. It has limits on engine size and overall size so it’s cheaper to own and run there.

Term

1.5 turbo

"Uh, especially now they've got that 1.5 turbo. Imagine graduating to the 1.5 turbo and a six speed."

A “1.5 turbo” is a 1.5-liter engine with a turbocharger. The turbo helps the engine make more power without needing a bigger engine.

Term

turbocharger

"Uh, especially now they've got that 1.5 turbo. Imagine graduating to the 1.5 turbo and a six speed."

A turbocharger is a part that helps the engine breathe better. It uses exhaust gases to push extra air into the engine so it can make more power.

Term

six speed

"Imagine graduating to the 1.5 turbo and a six speed. Now that'd be, Oh, that'd be like it."

“Six speed” means the car has six gears. More gears can help the engine stay in the right rev range so it feels quicker and smoother.

Term

hot hatches

"you know, what most car companies do to make a hot one, like with the hot hatches, they put a bigger engine."

Hot hatches are sporty, faster versions of small hatchback cars. They’re usually made quicker by adding more power and improving the suspension and tires.

Car

Fiesta ST

"which is, which is funny because that car is a fiesta ST underneath. Like it's, it's the same, the same chassis."

The Fiesta ST is a sporty, performance version of the Ford Fiesta. In this discussion, it’s used to explain why a hot Mazda 2 would have been plausible.

Term

chassis

"Like they never did a hot Mazda two, which is, which is funny because that car is a fiesta ST underneath. Like it's, it's the same, the same chassis."

A “chassis” is the main framework of a car. It’s the part that everything else attaches to, like the suspension and drivetrain.

Term

B car platform

"So like they should, they share the, the B car platform. And, you know, they could have just said, Hey Ford, can we just borrow your person bits?"

A “platform” is the shared engineering base a bunch of cars use. If two cars share the same platform, they’re built on the same basic layout, so it’s easier to make one into a sportier version.

Term

rear engine

"It's like real R. So it's rear engine."

“Rear engine” means the engine is placed near the back of the car. That can change how the car handles and how power gets to the wheels.

Term

real drive

"So it's rear engine. And it's a real drive. Yeah. I don't think it's front wheel drive anymore."

The speaker is talking about which wheels the car actually sends power to. A swap like this can change the drivetrain so it drives the “right” wheels for that engine layout.

Car

Renault Clio V6

"...on't think it's front wheel drive anymore. It's a Clio V6, but in a, a jazz version. In a jazz."

The Renault Clio V6 is a special version of the Clio that uses a V6 engine. The podcast is talking about it as a specific setup rather than a normal everyday model. It’s notable because it’s an unexpected, high-performance twist on a small car.

Concept

opportunities for that

"I just think there's so many opportunities for that. Cause you know, it wouldn't, it wouldn't be that hard to, to make cars like that happen because, you know, it's, it's been, it's you've got a little bits for it."

This is the idea that engine swaps and unusual builds are increasingly feasible because the parts and fabrication ecosystem exists. It’s essentially a “why this kind of project is possible” discussion rather than a specific component or car model.

Term

engine mounts

"..., putting a, you know, a 1.5 turbo energy, if that can be, be done by aftermarket people who just said, oh yeah, we can make, we can make that work and bolt it up to existing, you know, gearbox or putting, whatever it is, you know, and making engine mounts and making them, you know, road legal."

Engine mounts are the parts that bolt the engine to the car’s body or subframe. If you put a different engine in, you often need new mounts so it fits and sits safely.

Term

road legal

"..., and making engine mounts and making them, you know, road legal. You know, surely there would have been people at the..."

“Road legal” means the car is allowed to be driven on public streets. For engine swaps, that usually means it has to meet safety and emissions rules so it can pass inspection.

Car

Honda Civic type R

"..., they've still got type R program, you know, and the type, and the type R program is, is really arguably, I think still one of the, if not the best, you know, performance program in the thing. ... they had the small one in the Civic type R, then they had the slightly bigger one"

The Honda Civic Type R is Honda’s performance version of the Civic. It’s meant to be a serious hot hatch, and here they’re talking about how Honda kept that badge special over time.

Car

Integra type R

"in the Integra type R, the ultimate one in the NSX, you know, [2106.0s] the Integra R."

The Honda Integra Type R is a special, enthusiast-focused version of the Integra. It’s the kind of car people buy when they want something more sporty and driver-focused than a normal Integra.

Car

Honda NSX

"...ne in the Integra type R, the ultimate one in the NSX, you know, the Integra R."

The Honda NSX is a sports car made by Honda. It’s known as one of Honda’s most serious performance cars. The podcast is comparing it to other high-end Honda models like the Integra Type R.

Term

rental fleet

"I mean, they're huge in Japan in the rental fleet and the sort [2126.3s] of business, you know, fleet cars, sales reps and things like"

A rental fleet is the set of cars a rental company keeps and rents out to customers. It can make a model show up everywhere, even if it’s not the most exciting version.

Place

Swindon

"So, you know, they, they produced jazzes in the UK for quite [2145.5s] a while at Swindon, but that was quite, it was a bit of a running"

Swindon is a place in the UK known for car manufacturing. The host is mentioning it to give background on where the Honda Jazz was produced for a long time.

Brand

Spoon

"David, you, I mean, you say that, but like Japan, like Mugen and [2175.1s] Spoon, they all make parts for it there."

Spoon (Spoon Sports) is a Japanese company that makes aftermarket performance parts. It’s popular with Honda fans who want better handling and a more exciting driving feel.

Brand

Mugen

"And that we want the sporty or the cooler version of most things [2170.1s] that we can get. [2170.8s] David, you, I mean, you say that, but like Japan, like Mugen and"

Mugen is a Japanese company that makes performance parts for certain Honda cars. People use their parts to make the cars feel more sporty and track-ready.

Car

Suzuki Swift Sport

"the only thing that's left is I-20N [2228.7s] or a Suzuki Swift Sport."

The Suzuki Swift Sport is a small car that’s tuned to feel sporty and lively. It’s popular because it’s relatively affordable but still feels like a performance car.

Car

Suzuki Swift

"... there's the only thing that's left is I-20N or a Suzuki Swift Sport. So yeah, kind of, kind of a real, real big..."

The Suzuki Swift 5-door is a small hatchback with extra doors for easier access to the back seats. The podcast is talking about it as a possible sporty compact option. It’s the kind of car people choose when they want something easy to drive and park.

Brand

Toyota

"[2261.3s] I think Toyota are on the right track, aren't they with their GRs? [2265.0s] They are."

Toyota has a performance brand called GR that makes sportier versions of normal Toyota cars. The hosts are saying Toyota is doing a good job with that approach.

Term

GR

"[2261.3s] I think Toyota are on the right track, aren't they with their GRs? [2265.0s] They are."

GR is Toyota’s performance label. When you see it on a Toyota, it usually means the car is tuned to feel more like a sporty enthusiast car than a regular one.

Car

Toyota GR Corolla

"...g that, you know, that obviously you think of the GR Corolla and the GR Yaris, but they actually now do it."

The Toyota GR Corolla is a sporty version of the Corolla, made for more exciting driving. It’s a small hatchback that’s meant to handle well and feel quick. The podcast brings it up alongside other GR cars to compare Toyota’s performance lineup.

Car

Toyota GR Yaris

"...hat obviously you think of the GR Corolla and the GR Yaris, but they actually now do it. They do a GR Cruise..."

The Toyota GR Yaris is a sporty version of the Yaris. It’s designed to handle well and feel quick, inspired by rally driving. The podcast mentions it alongside other GR cars to compare Toyota’s performance lineup.

Brand

Nismo

"Yeah. [2312.4s] Well, I mean, if Scotty was here, he'd talk about Ashes, not Nismo, no. [2318.3s] No. [2319.8s] They do them in other parts of the world, but yeah, they're just not choosing to do it here. [2327.4s] Like, you know, the Nissan Z, you know, you know, it's a, it is a good performance car [2332.3s] and the Nismo, they've just offered it now with a manual, which is, which is what people"

Nismo is Nissan’s performance division. In this segment, they’re saying people want the Nissan Z Nismo with a manual transmission.

Car

Nissan Z

"Okay. [2326.0s] That's not for like a try, I don't think. [2327.4s] Like, you know, the Nissan Z, you know, you know, it's a, it is a good performance car"

The Nissan Z is Nissan’s sports car. It’s meant to feel fun and engaging to drive, and in this chat they’re comparing it to the more hardcore Nismo version.

Term

DSG

"So David Prince, when your DSG decides to file in, what we're going to do is we're [2387.1s] going to buy a wrecked Golf R and just, just, just combine."

DSG is a type of automatic gearbox used by Volkswagen. It uses two clutches to change gears quickly, so the car feels more responsive than many regular automatics.

Car

Golf R

"So David Prince, when your DSG decides to file in, what we're going to do is we're [2387.1s] going to buy a wrecked Golf R and just, just, just combine."

The Golf R is the sporty, higher-performance version of the Volkswagen Golf. Here, they’re talking about buying a wrecked one to take parts from and combine into another car.

Term

engine management system

"There were a few little differences and there's a bit of work and getting it all working. [2401.3s] I think the actual engine management system as well was a bit of a sort of a, yeah, [2407.6s] hard thing to do, but I've got, I've got a red stripe across my grill."

The engine management system is the car’s computer that controls how the engine runs. If you swap parts between cars, you often have to get the computer and sensors working together correctly.

Term

Highline Golf alloy wheels

"but I've got, I've got a red stripe across my grill. [2413.4s] So I'm halfway there and I've got the Highline Golf alloy wheels on it. [2417.4s] So it does look good with those wheels."

Alloy wheels are the common aluminum wheels you see on many cars. The speaker is saying their Golf has the nicer “Highline” wheel style.

Term

lowered

"Have you got it lowered? No, no, no. It's going to get lowered. It's going to get lowered. My golf is the first thing I did. Actually, the back part is lowered."

“Lowered” means the car sits closer to the ground than stock. People do it for looks and handling, but it can reduce ground clearance for bumps and speed humps.

Car

Mazda 2

"I've seen two that the Mazda 2 ship must have come in. I've seen two brand new Mazda 2s on the road in the last week, like brand spanking, you know, a completely brand new plate that the inside the wheel arches is completely shiny and tire black still on the car."

The Mazda 2 is a small Mazda hatchback meant for everyday driving. Here, the speaker is basically saying they’ve been seeing brand-new ones recently, with very fresh-looking tires and clean wheel-arch areas.

Car

Civic Wagon

"Yeah. My goodness, a type of civic wagon looked. Oh, God, I look good."

The Honda Civic is a popular compact car. The podcast is talking about a wagon version, meaning a Civic with more cargo space than a sedan. It’s mentioned because some people prefer that practical wagon shape.

Car

Honda Accord

"...kind of reminds me of like, uh, how they made the accord euro wagon in the, in, for the European market."

The Honda Accord is a common Honda family car. In some places, Honda also sold it as a wagon, not just a sedan. The podcast is referencing that wagon version and how it was offered for certain markets.

Car

Honda Odyssey

"...for a five Cedar wagon who's going to consider an Odyssey. No, that's right."

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan, which is a family vehicle built to fit more people and gear. The podcast is mentioning it as an option people consider when they want a lot of space. It’s often brought up because it’s designed for everyday family use.

Brand

B Y D C L wagon

"I mean, this is kind of getting off topic, but, uh, the B Y D C L wagon. I'm really into it."

BYD is a car brand (mostly known for electric cars). Here, the hosts are talking about a BYD wagon model and how good it looks—basically arguing that wagons are back in style.

Car

Ford Falcon

"...fore, you know, Ford should have done it with the Falcon. Um, but they, they're like, nah, they would have..."

The Ford Falcon is a Ford car model that was sold in Australia and became well known there. In the podcast, it’s being mentioned in the context of what Ford did—or didn’t—offer using that name. It’s more about the model’s role in that market than about a specific feature.

Concept

cannibalizing territory sales

"Um, but they, they're like, nah, they would have taken it. The same thing you said David about cannibalizing, you would have cannibalized territory sales."

This means one car choice could take buyers away from another car choice that would have been sold in the same region. So instead of growing total sales, it just shifts demand around.

Term

SUV

"That's right. Territories are seven seeder, first and foremost. And it's an SUV."

SUV means “sport utility vehicle.” It’s the taller, more upright kind of car that many people prefer today, and the host is saying that’s why wagons don’t always get made.

Car

Chevrolet Captiva

"...roved that, and they, they saw that alongside the Captiva. Proved that, you know, a wagon was, was, was ver..."

The Chevrolet Captiva is an SUV meant for carrying people and everyday gear. The podcast is mentioning it in the context of comparing different vehicle shapes that can serve similar purposes. It’s generally the kind of car people look at for family use.

Car

Mustang four door

"The Mustang four door. Yeah. Yeah. They have arrived. Do you know what it was called? ... You know, I mean, they won't have a door, but there's been some renderings of a four door."

They’re talking about a Mustang with four doors. Since most Mustangs are coupes, a four-door version would be a more practical take on the Mustang idea, and they’re reacting to the fact that it never really became a real product.

Term

inline six

"I think Mazda now, I think we talked about this engine the other day actually, Marty, the new generation of their inline six engines."

An inline-six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. People like it because it can run very smoothly. Here, they’re saying Mazda’s new inline-six could power a more exciting two-door car.

Car

Bmw M

"... that not like, you know, a super competitor or a BMW M competitor? Yeah."

The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a sporty BMW coupe made for performance. It’s part of BMW’s M performance line, meaning it’s tuned to drive more aggressively than a standard model. The podcast is talking about how it compares to other performance options.

Car

Holden Monaro

"...I mean, if Australia can figure that out with the Monaro, you know, shortening a Commodore essentially, su..."

The Holden Monaro is a performance coupe that was made for the Australian market. The podcast is describing it as being related to the Commodore, but in a shorter coupe body style. It’s mentioned because it’s a well-known local performance car.

Term

straight six

"A Mazda three with a straight six and a bit like the BMW. Yeah."

A straight-six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. It’s often described as smooth and refined because of how the engine is balanced.

Car

Volkswagen Golf

"Sorry. The first gen golf in America was the rabbit, but it was cool. It wa..."

The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that’s meant for daily driving. In the early years, the same kind of car was sold in the U.S. under a different name, “Rabbit.” The conversation is pointing out that naming difference.

Car

Volkswagen Rabbit

"Sorry. The first gen golf in America was the rabbit, but it was cool. It was just called Volkswagen c..."

The Volkswagen Rabbit is an older Volkswagen model name that was used in America. It’s essentially the first Golf generation, just sold under a different name. The podcast is pointing out that connection so people understand what they’re looking at.

Car

Volkswagen Caddy

"...t, but it was cool. It was just called Volkswagen caddy. Yeah."

The Volkswagen Caddy is a small van-like vehicle made for carrying people or cargo. The podcast is just pointing out the name used for it. It’s typically chosen for practicality and everyday usefulness.

Car

Ford Ranger

"...in, I guess with the compensating tax of owning a Ranger or something like that, wanting to, to compensate..."

The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck, meaning it has a cargo bed for carrying things. People often consider it for practical use like work or hauling. The podcast mention suggests the cost of owning one can be affected by taxes or fees.

Car

Ford Maverick

"And in America, the Maverick, the new Ford Maverick's been a bit of a, [3132.7s] a success story because it's, it's like, the right size."

The Ford Maverick is a smaller pickup truck. It’s meant for people who want the usefulness of a truck, but don’t want something huge and expensive.

Term

one ton payload

"Like if someone wants to bring it, bring a youth back, like a car-based youth that, [3149.4s] that can haul it, haul one ton, have a one ton payload, you know,"

“One ton payload” means the truck can carry up to about 2,000 pounds of stuff. It’s basically how much weight you can put in the back without overloading it.

Term

dual cabutes

"whack your tools in it, be far better drive than any of these dual cabutes. [3158.5s] And we,"

“Dual cab” usually means a pickup with two rows of seats (front and back). The speaker is saying a smaller truck could be better for everyday use than the bigger double-cab style.

Term

utility youth

"Like that's being, how I mean being, [3185.6s] because it's a premium brand, they wouldn't offer a utility youth. [3191.0s] But like, like, I mentioned a youth three series, like."

This sounds like the host is talking about a “ute,” which is a practical pickup-style vehicle. The idea is that a premium brand might not offer that kind of practical truck.

Car

BMW M5

"Yeah. [3202.6s] It's an M5 too, I think it was. [3205.1s] I think there was Middle Eastern country that didn't allow Mercedes to bring in Ford or"

The BMW M5 is a fast, performance version of a BMW 5 Series. It’s made by BMW’s performance team (M) and is meant to be quick and fun to drive, not just comfortable.

Term

four by two

"And he was like, that would, that would have maybe possibly helped it. [3242.2s] Land Cruiser 70 series four by two so that it could be mini trucked, you know, [3246.3s] like, cause, cause people, you know, people like that or like a,"

“Four by two” means only two of the wheels are powered. Usually that’s the rear wheels, which can make the vehicle simpler and sometimes less expensive than a full-time all-wheel-drive setup.

Car

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series

"And he was like, that would, that would have maybe possibly helped it. [3242.2s] Land Cruiser 70 series four by two so that it could be mini trucked, you know, [3246.3s] like, cause, cause people, you know, people like that or like a,"

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series is a tough, off-road truck/SUV that’s been around for a long time. People like it because it’s built for rough use and can be configured for work or adventure.

Term

mini truck

"Like to mini truck as they call them. Mini truck. Mini truck."

A “mini truck” is a custom look where a car is modified to resemble a small pickup truck. The idea is mostly visual—making the car look like a tiny truck.

Term

swap

"That wasn't the GTI. Um, but I always wanted to do a swap and turbo it. No, never got a chance to do it."

A swap usually means replacing the engine with a different one. People do it to make the car faster or to get a different driving feel.

Car

Mitsubishi Mirage

"So out of the cars, I had the Swift, I had a gets and the Mirage. I think the Swift was the best out of the three."

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a small, budget-friendly car. In this conversation it’s mainly mentioned as one of the cars the speaker owned to compare driving feel.

Car

Hyundai Elantra

"Okay. So I think the Swift was just a better driving car. ... they could have put a two liter from a, what's it called, an Elantra or something? Elantra."

The Hyundai Elantra is a common compact car. The speaker is talking about using its engine in another small car to make it faster and more fun.

Term

valve

"It actually dropped the, the valve, the, the actual can. Perfect. Snapped and ruined the motor."

A valve is like a gate inside the engine that opens and closes to let air in and exhaust out. If a valve “drops,” it can get damaged or hit other parts, and the engine can be ruined.

Car

Hyundai Sonata

"You know what would go good in that? Like a Sonata or a Elantra turbo motor, like a two liter or 1.6..."

The Hyundai Sonata is a regular family sedan, usually chosen for comfort and practicality. The podcast is talking about adding a turbo engine to make it feel more powerful. That kind of idea is about turning a normal daily car into something sportier.

Car

Honda Fit

"A few people are saying there's a lot of Honda things that they, they said it should have been a Honda Fit or Honda Jazz Si."

The Honda Fit is a small Honda hatchback. Here, people are saying the project should have been based on a Honda Fit (or similar) instead of the direction it took.

Car

Toyota Supra

".... People said that a V8 should have appeared in a Supra. I don't know how I feel about that one."

The Toyota Supra is a sports car built for performance and driving excitement. The podcast is talking about whether it should have had a V8 engine. That’s relevant because engine choice strongly affects how a car feels and sounds.

Car

Lexus IS 500

"Is it IS 500? Is it? Yeah. Oh, the new ones. Is there a V8? Yeah."

The Lexus IS 500 is a faster, higher-performance IS sedan. They’re debating whether it uses a V8, and whether that matches what they’re looking at.

Car

Lexus Lc500

"[3707.2s] Oh, LC. [3707.8s] Yeah. [3708.3s] That's like spaceship looking thing. [3717.2s] Is that LC 500? [3719.8s] Oh, it's LC 500."

The Lexus LC 500 is a Lexus coupe that’s meant for comfortable, fast driving. It’s famous for its V8 and for looking really futuristic and dramatic compared to normal cars.

Car

Toyota GR GT

"I'll talk about that concept. The GR GT, whatever it's called that. Oh, that thing."

The Toyota GR GT is a name being talked about as a concept or possible performance direction. The podcast is bringing it up because it sounds like it belongs to Toyota’s GR performance family. It’s discussed more for what it could mean than for what you can buy today.

Term

V8

"[3728.5s] I mean, that is a, that's a super of a V8, isn't it? [3731.4s] It is pretty much, yeah. [3732.5s] Yeah."

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders. More cylinders usually means more power and smoother acceleration, which is why people often associate V8s with fast cars.

Term

hardtop

"Have you seen one with a hardtop? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bloody hell."

A hardtop is a solid, rigid roof. It’s the opposite of a soft convertible top, and it can make the car feel more “closed-in” and often quieter.

Car

current M3 such as M4

"Another person said, the current M3 such as M4 without the stupid grill. Yeah, I think we've got some really good options."

BMW’s M3 and M4 are sporty versions of BMW cars that are meant to feel more aggressive and fun to drive. Here, the person is saying they don’t like the current styling—especially the front grille—and would rather it looked cleaner.

Mazda MPS
FotoSleuth (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Mazda MPS

"I think Mazda need to bring back the Mazda MPS. I think their MPS range was kind of fun in their three MPS. Give them as a three some sort of recognition again,"

Mazda MPS is Mazda’s performance-focused trim line—think turbocharged, more enthusiast-oriented versions. The host wants Mazda to reintroduce that kind of “fun” model because it’s not as common anymore.

Term

one-off

"So the one-offs, but they never made production models. Is that right? [3984.3s] So like they had like upgraded interiors and like extra badging and stuff."

A “one-off” means there’s only one of that car. It’s usually built for a special reason, not for regular customers. Here, it’s describing custom Holden cars with unique styling and trim.

Term

badging

"So like they had like upgraded interiors and like extra badging and stuff. [4045.7s] With all that badging and like embossed leather and stuff."

“Badging” means the stickers/labels/logos on the car that show the model or trim. Here, the special cars had extra badging to make them look unique. It’s one of the clues that they weren’t normal production cars.

Car

Calais

"I'll give you one point for the Commodore because it was bait. [4015.5s] It was like they did a limited edition one-off one Calais."

Calais is a higher-end version (a trim level) of the Holden Commodore. A “one-off” Calais means it was built as a special single car, not something you could buy off the lot. The point is that it had extra features and styling.

Term

limited edition

"I'll give you one point for that. [4015.5s] It was like they did a limited edition one-off one Calais."

A “limited edition” car is made in a small number, usually with special features. In this conversation, it’s being used to describe a very exclusive Holden Calais that wasn’t a regular model you’d see everywhere. It’s part of what makes the car collectible.

Car

Daewoo Statesman

"... guess it was probably used. It was not. It was a statesman. They did a one-off one statesman and they did a ..."

The Daewoo Statesman is a specific car model name mentioned in the podcast. The speaker describes it as a rare “one-off” kind of example, and suggests it was likely found used. It’s being brought up because it’s not a common, everyday model.

Term

embossed leather

"With all that badging and like embossed leather and stuff. [4047.8s] So it had in 2000 Holden quietly created two custom Olympic Holdens for the prime minister's Olympic dinner."

Embossed leather is leather with a pattern pressed into it so it stands up. In this segment, it’s mentioned as part of the special interior on the custom Holden. It’s a luxury-style detail that makes the car feel more “made for an occasion.”

Term

supercharged

"The cars was, it was called the Holden statesman was called the Olympic dream and the supercharged Calais was called the Olympic spirit."

“Supercharged” means the engine has a device that pushes extra air in. More air usually means more power, because the engine can burn more fuel.

Term

bespoke interiors

"They got bespoke interiors embroidered seats, Olympic crests, custom clusters, satin, silver trim, Harrop brakes, unique wheels,"

“Bespoke” just means custom-made. Here it means the interior was tailored with special details instead of being a regular factory setup.

Brand

Harrop brakes

"They got bespoke interiors embroidered seats, Olympic crests, custom clusters, satin, silver trim, Harrop brakes, unique wheels,"

Harrop makes performance car parts. If a build has “Harrop brakes,” it usually means the brakes were upgraded to stronger, more capable parts than the standard ones.

Car

Toyota Corolla GR MN

"Question number three. Toyota has revealed the next Corolla GR MN, which is their new high performance version of the Corolla GR, which is coming to Australia next year."

Toyota’s “GR” versions are the sporty, performance-focused Corollas. This “Corolla GR MN” is a new special performance variant Toyota says is coming to Australia.

Term

four cylinder

"And they finally put in the four cylinder in it. [4154.3s] That's incorrect."

A “four cylinder” engine has four cylinders that burn fuel to make power. People mention it because it affects how heavy the engine is and how the car delivers power.

Concept

final edition

"When they finish them off? [4196.8s] Final edition, more power, more... [4199.4s] There you go, Chad. [4201.2s] Bigger brakes, bigger wheels or something."

A “final edition” is basically the last special version of a car before it’s replaced. Companies often make it feel more special by adding performance upgrades and sometimes removing weight.

Term

bigger brakes

"There you go, Chad. [4201.2s] Bigger brakes, bigger wheels or something. [4204.5s] They're giving it more power and less weight."

“Bigger brakes” means the braking system is upgraded so it can stop the car more strongly and handle heat better. That’s especially helpful on faster, heavier-hitting versions of a model.

Term

bigger wheels

"There you go, Chad. [4201.2s] Bigger brakes, bigger wheels or something. [4204.5s] They're giving it more power and less weight."

“Bigger wheels” usually means larger rims paired with shorter sidewall tires. That can make the car feel more responsive, but it can also make the ride a bit firmer.

Concept

more power and less weight

"[4201.2s] Bigger brakes, bigger wheels or something. [4204.5s] They're giving it more power and less weight."

This phrase means the car is being made faster in two ways: it gets stronger power and it weighs less. A lighter car usually accelerates and handles better, and extra power makes it quicker.

Place

Nurburgring

"[4217.7s] David. [4219.8s] Oh, isn't that the fastest lap of the Nurburgring? [4224.7s] Yeah, fastest SUV lap of the Nurburgring."

The Nürburgring is a very famous race track in Germany. Car companies use it to test and compare how well cars handle and how fast they can go, because it’s long and challenging.

Car

TRD Toyota Hilux

"[4236.9s] Question number five. [4237.8s] The TRD Hilux, which we got in Australia, was only sold for two years. [4242.4s] What were the years it was sold?"

This is a Toyota Hilux pickup that was tuned or packaged by TRD (Toyota Racing Development). They’re discussing a special version that was only sold in Australia for a short time, and they’re quizzing the exact years.

Term

generations

"How many generations of the Hyundai gets were made? Oh. Generations."

A generation is a major “new version” of a car model. It’s bigger than a facelift, which is more like a refresh of the existing car.

Term

facelifts

"I'm not after the updates in the, in like, you know, the facelifts. I'm after how many generations of this specific gets model were made."

A facelift is when a car gets updated partway through its life. It usually means styling and feature changes (like lights, bumpers, or interior), not a completely new model.

Car

Lexus LBX

"What does LBX mean in the Lexus LBX? ... Chad. Large Brute Crossover. ... It's a Lexus breakthrough crossover. ... it's just like it's like a luxury version of a Yaris Cross. ... The LBX is just a it's just a Yaris Cross. Isn't it?"

The Lexus LBX is Lexus’s small crossover. It’s closely related to the Toyota Yaris Cross, just with Lexus styling and features. The discussion here is mainly about what the name “LBX” stands for and why it feels like a small Yaris-based car.

Term

manual

"Also, the cool thing with the Lexus LBX Maritsu, you could get it as a manual overseas in Japan. You can't get it"

A manual transmission is a gearbox where the driver selects gears using a clutch pedal and gear lever. In this segment, the hosts mention that the Lexus LBX (specifically the Maritsu/“Maritsu” variant they’re discussing) can be had with a manual in Japan, but not overseas. That’s a meaningful market difference for enthusiasts.

Car

Yaris Cross

"Does that mean you can also get a Yaris Cross as a manual over there? Maybe not a hybrid version? Maybe not [4483.1s] because it's I think it's just specifically with that three because it's a three cylinder turbo."

The Toyota Yaris Cross is a small SUV. The host is talking about transmission options—specifically whether you can get it as a manual—and how the engine/drivetrain setup is tied to that choice.

Term

three cylinder turbo

"Maybe not [4483.1s] because it's I think it's just specifically with that three because it's a three cylinder turbo."

This means the car uses a small 3-cylinder engine with a turbo. The turbo helps it make more power, but it can feel different than a non-turbo engine.

Skoda Octavia
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Skoda Octavia

"1965 is when they first into the Swedish rain market. [4559.6s] What the hell did they sell here? They sold the Octavia. [4563.5s] Yeah, the Skoda Octavia."

The Škoda Octavia is one of Škoda’s most important model lines, known for being practical and widely sold across Europe. Here, the host is using the Octavia as the specific car Škoda sold in Australia when they first entered the market.

Car

Skoda S110

"And then in the mid 70s, there was the S110. Then in the late 70s, [4574.5s] there was the S120 or 120L."

The Škoda S110 is an older Škoda model. The host brings it up to explain what Škoda was selling in Australia after the Octavia.

Skoda 120L
Felix O (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Skoda 120L

"Then in the late 70s, [4574.5s] there was the S120 or 120L. I had a 120L for a while. Did you? It was a characterful car, we'll say."

The Škoda 120L is an older Škoda model. The host says it was fun/characterful and then goes on to describe how its layout made it behave differently than most cars today.

Term

swing rear axle

"They're loosely based on a Renault 10. So they're rear-engined, swing rear axle."

A swing rear axle is an older rear suspension design. It can make the back of the car feel less predictable when you drive hard or when grip changes.

Concept

passenger side

"So it worked fine in Europe because that was the passenger side. [4618.6s] But in Australia, it worked completely the opposite way."

The host is talking about driving-side differences between countries. Because some places are right-hand-drive and others are left-hand-drive, the same car design can end up opening/positioning things on the “wrong” side for the driver.

Brand

Volkswagen Group

"They officially relaunched under the Volkswagen [4668.2s] Group in Australia in what year? Okay."

The Volkswagen Group is a big company that owns several car brands. The hosts mention it because Škoda’s relaunch in Australia happened under that ownership.

Term

four-wheel drive

"The new blank blank offers a complete four-wheel drive package, [4749.1s] which is perfect for both on-road and off-road driving."

Four-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels. That helps it grip better on wet, snowy, or rough roads.

Term

two-wheel drive transfer

"The blank offers all the features, comfort, and styling of a passenger car, but with added benefits of air conditioning, push button, four-wheel drive to such two-wheel drive transfer, [4762.8s] and limited stiff differential as all standard equipment."

This is about switching the car between using two wheels and using all four wheels. Two-wheel mode can be used for everyday driving, while four-wheel mode helps when traction drops.

Term

limited stiff differential

"push button, four-wheel drive to such two-wheel drive transfer, [4762.8s] and limited stiff differential as all standard equipment."

A limited-slip differential helps the car avoid one wheel spinning uselessly. It shares power more effectively when traction is different from side to side.

Term

anti-fading

"Front ventilator disc brakes offer reliable braking, [4780.6s] and even better anti-fading. A seven-inch and eight-inch tandem brake booster generates reliable"

Anti-fading means the brakes are less likely to get weak after lots of hard stopping. It helps the car keep stopping power when the brakes get hot.

Term

inclinometer

"center console, voltmeter, [4815.0s] inclinometer, are just some of the standard features you feature on the blank blank sports wagon."

An inclinometer measures how tilted the car is. It can be used to tell how level the vehicle is or how steep the ground is.

Daihatsu Rocky
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Daihatsu Rocky

"You're all back in. It's made by Daihatsu. [4918.3s] David. Oh, Chad. Dammit. David. Rocky. The Rocky is correct. That is nice. Well played."

The Daihatsu Rocky is a small Japanese 4x4 SUV. It’s built to handle rougher use and can be set up to carry people or gear, which matches the conversation about folding seats and cargo space.

Car

Toyota Crown

"so much car talk. It's massive claims, by the way. Huge claims. It's Rob, Toyota Crown. [4977.4s] I wish I was, but it's not Rob."

The Toyota Crown is a Toyota model line that’s meant to feel more upscale and comfortable than a typical Toyota. Here, they’re describing one Crown’s features and drivetrain details.

Term

traction control

"What does it feature? It features a, it features traction control, ABS brakes and [5001.2s] ABS brakes."

Traction control helps the tires grip the road when you accelerate. If a wheel starts spinning, the car intervenes to regain grip.

Term

ABS brakes

"What does it feature? It features a, it features traction control, ABS brakes and [5001.2s] ABS brakes."

ABS is a safety system that stops your wheels from locking during braking. That helps you steer while braking hard.

Term

power assisted steering

"Remote control, key entry, engine mobiliser and alarm, power assisted steering, [5008.1s] independent multi-link rear suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, tailgate deflector on the wagon only."

Power assisted steering makes the steering wheel easier to turn. It’s especially helpful when parking or driving slowly.

Term

16-inch alloy wheels

"independent multi-link rear suspension, [5008.1s] 16-inch alloy wheels, tailgate deflector on the wagon only."

“16-inch” describes the wheel diameter, and “alloy wheels” are typically lighter and more corrosion-resistant than steel wheels. Wheel size can affect ride comfort and steering feel because it changes tire sidewall height.

Term

3.5-litre V6

"It comes with a 3.5-litre V6, 24-valves fuel-injected engine, four-speed automatic [5025.9s] David."

A 3.5-liter V6 is an engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape. The “3.5-liter” part is how big the engine is overall, which affects how much power it can make.

Term

fuel-injected engine

"It comes with a 3.5-litre V6, 24-valves fuel-injected engine, [5025.9s] four-speed automatic [5025.9s] David."

Fuel injection means the car uses injectors to deliver fuel in a controlled way. It helps the engine run more smoothly and efficiently than older fuel systems.

Mitsubishi Verada
TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Mitsubishi Verada

"[5025.9s] David. Mitsubishi Verada. Mitsubishi Verada is correct, David Prince. Well done."

The Mitsubishi Verada is a Mitsubishi model that was aimed at comfort and “luxury” features. Here they’re describing one with a V6 engine and an automatic transmission.

Term

four-speed automatic

"24-valves fuel-injected engine, four-speed automatic [5025.9s] David. Mitsubishi Verada."

A four-speed automatic is a gearbox with four forward gears that shifts by itself. It’s an older style of automatic compared to today’s transmissions with more gears.

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