The $20K Car Challenge, America’s New Hypercar, and Why the Lexus LC500 Deserved Better
About this episode
The hosts celebrate Blair's purchase of a meticulously rebuilt Lotus Elise 111RS from Shenu, highlighting the car's extensive upgrades, lightweight design, and thrilling driving experience. They discuss the challenges of fitting a tall driver into the Elise, the bespoke improvements like the shifter and suspension, and the car's raw, analog feel. The conversation shifts to automotive industry news, including Porsche's profit issues and potential U.S. production, the rumored Porsche hypercar, and the impending discontinuation of the Lexus LC500, praised for its sound and character. The episode concludes with a fun $20K car challenge, debating practical and fun daily drivers under that budget, and teasing future comparisons between lightweight sports cars.
Audi R8
"...replace the Audi R8 became a fairly stressful task because I wanted to get it right. I wanted to have a new experience and, you know, I'm a perseverator when it comes to, you know, consuming information and making this decision."
The Audi R8 is a fast and fancy car that looks like a racecar but you can drive it on normal roads. It has a strong engine and is fun to drive.
The Audi R8 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Audi, known for its powerful V10 engine and supercar performance with everyday usability. It combines luxury and performance in a package that can be driven on both road and track.
Bring a Trailer
"...he said he was going to run this thing through Bring a Trailer and it just, and I had just made a guy an offer on a Lotus Amira."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell special cars by bidding on them, kind of like an online auction for cars that car lovers like.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic, enthusiast, and collector cars. It has become a popular venue for buying and selling unique and rare vehicles, often attracting a passionate community of car enthusiasts.
Lotus Amira
"...st, and I had just made a guy an offer on a Lotus Amira. We just couldn't agree financially. I think he ..."
The Lotus Emira is a new sports car made by Lotus that is light and built to drive well. It is one of the last new cars from Lotus with a regular gas engine.
The Lotus Emira is a modern sports car that marks Lotus's return to traditional combustion engines before transitioning to electric models. It features a lightweight chassis and sharp handling, continuing Lotus's legacy. It is discussed as a significant new model for the brand.
Lotus Elise
"I think he was racked with anxiety when he walked into the shop. He was. He talked about that for three weeks in a row. I want to get one. I just don't know if I'll fit, but you did fit at least once. Yeah. Well, it's interesting because there's a lot of resources on YouTube and online about tall guys fitting in lotus elitists."
The Lotus Elise is a small sports car made by Lotus, a British car company. It's very fun to drive but can be hard to get into or sit in if you're tall because it's quite small inside.
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight British sports car known for its agile handling and minimalist design. It is often praised for its driving dynamics but is also known for its tight interior packaging, which can be challenging for taller drivers.
quick release steering wheel
"And then getting out is a little bit of a chore, but using the steering wheel and such a new you had. You had a quick release on the steering wheel, right? No, no, this car still got the factory airbag in it. And if you go to a quick release, you got to basically have to defeat the airbag."
A quick release steering wheel is a special steering wheel you can take off quickly, which helps you get in and out of the car easier. But if your car has airbags, you usually can't use one without turning off the airbags.
A quick release steering wheel allows the driver to easily remove the steering wheel, often used in race cars for easier entry and exit. However, in street cars with airbags, installing a quick release requires disabling the airbag, which is a safety concern.
factory airbag
"No, no, this car still got the factory airbag in it. And if you go to a quick release, you got to basically have to defeat the airbag. And I'm a big proponent of keeping airbags in place on a street car."
A factory airbag is the airbag that comes with the car when it is made. It helps keep you safe if you crash.
A factory airbag is the original airbag system installed by the car manufacturer to protect occupants in a crash. Maintaining the factory airbag is important for safety and legal reasons.
seat bottom
"That seat is actually, it's one of our what we call our big boy seats. So it sits just a little bit lower than the stock seat. And the seat bottom is actually is like formed to be more comfortable for broader guys. And that seat has saved quite a few of our clients from selling their cars, because the stock seats are pretty notorious for killing blood circulation in people's legs."
The seat bottom is the part of the seat you sit on. In some cars, the shape can press on your legs and make them go numb.
The seat bottom is the lower part of a car seat where the occupant sits. In some Lotus Elise stock seats, the design can restrict blood circulation in the legs, causing numbness, especially for larger drivers.
seat slider
"It still fits on the factory slider. So you can slide it forward and backwards. And that's why a guy short as me can use that exact seat, because I can pull the seat forward to the point where I"
A seat slider lets you move the seat closer or farther from the pedals and steering wheel so you can sit comfortably.
A seat slider is a mechanism that allows the car seat to move forward or backward to adjust legroom and driving position. Retaining compatibility with the factory slider allows aftermarket seats to fit without modifying the car.
Audi S5
"I flew to Vegas years ago to buy an Audi s five. It was a cool green color. My boy and I went to use as a daily driver."
The Audi S5 is a faster and sportier version of a regular Audi car called the A5. It has a stronger engine and better parts to make it drive better.
The Audi S5 is a sportier variant of the Audi A5, known for its performance-oriented features and sporty design. It typically includes a more powerful engine and upgraded suspension compared to the standard A5.
massage seat
"It was the prestige trim, had a massage seat. I like German seats. They usually do them right."
A massage seat is a special car seat that can gently move or vibrate to help you feel relaxed while you drive.
A massage seat is a car seat equipped with built-in mechanisms that provide massage functions to increase comfort during driving. These are often found in higher-end or luxury vehicles.
Bringing a Trailer
"did you guys see that red one that sold on bringing trailer for with 8,000 miles that sold? I, that sold for pretty decent money."
Bringing a Trailer is a website where people buy and sell special cars, often classic or rare ones. It helps car lovers find and buy cars safely.
Bringing a Trailer is a popular online auction platform and community focused on classic, collector, and enthusiast cars. It is known for transparent auctions and detailed listings that attract serious buyers and sellers.
carbon fiber body
"found like guys that are making these things all carbon fiber and whatnot. And then you look, you look to see what they're doing mechanically and it wasn't really, it was the same as what you're doing, if not frankly less. ... The weight savings of all carbon fiber body over the composite body on these cars isn't that great anyway."
A carbon fiber body means the car's outside panels are made from a very light and strong material called carbon fiber. This helps the car be faster and easier to handle.
A carbon fiber body refers to car body panels made from carbon fiber composite material, which is extremely strong yet lightweight. This reduces overall vehicle weight, improving performance and handling compared to traditional materials like steel or composite.
supercharger
"Well, supercharger, better quality suspension, I'm sure you did a lot in the torque, the limited"
A supercharger helps the car's engine make more power by pushing extra air into it, which helps it burn more fuel and go faster.
A supercharger is a forced induction device that increases engine power by compressing air and forcing it into the engine's intake, allowing more fuel to be burned and thus producing more power.
limited-slip differential
"Well, supercharger, better quality suspension, I'm sure you did a lot in the torque, the limited slip and all things like that."
A limited-slip differential helps the car's wheels get power better so they don't spin too much, which makes the car handle better and go faster around corners.
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a drivetrain component that helps distribute power to the wheels more effectively, improving traction and handling by limiting wheel spin during acceleration or cornering.
rear subframe brace
"Yeah. Yeah. Well, so, you know, we added things like our rear subframe brace, that's added weight, but we take weight out of the important places like unsprung weight."
A rear subframe brace is a part added to make the back part of the car's frame stronger, which helps the car handle better when driving.
A rear subframe brace is a structural component added to reinforce the rear subframe of a car, improving chassis rigidity and handling performance.
unsprung weight
"That car has a well over 20 pounds of unsprung weight savings versus stock and that's the significant thing that you can feel wheels, the wheels, the brakes, you know, the even the suspension is lighter."
Unsprung weight is the weight of parts like wheels and brakes that aren't held up by the car's springs. Making these parts lighter helps the car drive smoother and handle better.
Unsprung weight refers to the mass of the components not supported by the car's suspension, such as wheels, tires, brakes, and some suspension parts. Reducing unsprung weight improves handling and ride quality.
uprights
"So what's behind me is some new uprights that we've developed based off of our racing uprights. So there's another, almost 10 pounds of unsprung weight savings that we can gain from, from those."
Uprights are parts that hold the wheels in place and connect them to the car's suspension. Making them lighter helps the car turn and drive better.
Uprights are suspension components that connect the wheel hub to the suspension arms and allow the wheel to rotate while maintaining alignment. Lightweight uprights reduce unsprung weight and improve handling.
Helmholtz chamber
"It's got what's called a Helmholtz chamber in it. And so it's just a mechanical chamber that filters out drone."
A Helmholtz chamber is a special part in the car's exhaust that helps stop annoying humming sounds inside the car, making the ride quieter and more comfortable.
A Helmholtz chamber is an acoustic device integrated into some exhaust systems to reduce unwanted drone and low-frequency noise inside the cabin. It works mechanically by canceling specific sound frequencies, improving comfort without electronic intervention.
Pontiac Fiero
"...chassis going to last? You know, I had worked at Fiero where we were, you know, where we were welding th..."
The Pontiac Fiero is an old sports car made by Pontiac that has its engine in the middle of the car. It was unusual for its time but had some problems.
The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine sports car produced in the 1980s by General Motors. It is notable for its unique layout and affordability but has a mixed reputation due to early reliability and safety issues. It is often discussed as a quirky classic with a cult following.
Porsche 911
"are supporting that company. You know, we see all the sexiness of the GT 911s and blah, blah, blah, but it's an SUV company that is now making sports cars on the side."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car made by Porsche. It has a unique design and is very popular among car fans.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car produced by Porsche since 1964, known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It is a core model for Porsche and often considered the benchmark for sports cars.
hypercar
"Did you hear the story that they're supposedly contemplating a hypercar again? Yeah. Do you think that's again, that's just halo, right?"
A hypercar is a super fast and very expensive car that uses the newest technology. Only a few are made because they are special and rare.
A hypercar is an ultra-high-performance sports car that represents the pinnacle of automotive technology, design, and price. These cars often feature cutting-edge hybrid or electric powertrains and are produced in very limited numbers.
halo car
"Yeah. Do you think that's again, that's just halo, right? There's no money to be made in that, you know, it's just 918 for our GT."
A halo car is a special, fancy car that a company makes to show how good they are. It might not make money, but it helps people like the brand more.
A halo car is a high-profile, often expensive and exclusive model produced by a car manufacturer to showcase technology and brand prestige. These cars may not be profitable but help elevate the brand's image and attract customers to other models.
acoustic tuning
"Like Lexus flew him over there to really show him the science behind the acoustics and all of the resonance tuning that they were doing with this vibrator V8 with love and respect."
Acoustic tuning means making the car's engine and exhaust sound better or more special by changing how the sounds come out.
Acoustic tuning in cars refers to the engineering and design efforts to shape and enhance the sound of the engine and exhaust for a more pleasing or distinctive auditory experience.
Porsche 911 Carrera S (991.2)
"Have you driven a Carrera S post turbocharger 991.2? Yes. And we rented one actually through Toro."
The Porsche 911 Carrera S (991.2) is a sporty car from Porsche with a turbocharged engine. It is known for being fast and precise but sounds different from older versions.
The Porsche 911 Carrera S (991.2) is the second iteration of the 991 generation of the 911, featuring a turbocharged flat-six engine. It marked a shift from naturally aspirated engines to turbocharged ones, affecting performance and sound characteristics.
turbocharger
"Have you driven a Carrera S post turbocharger 991.2? Yes. And we rented one actually through Toro."
A turbocharger is a part that helps a car's engine make more power by pushing extra air into it. This can make the car faster but can also change how the engine sounds.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into an engine's combustion chamber, increasing power output. Turbochargers can change the engine's sound and performance characteristics compared to naturally aspirated engines.
grand tour
"their, that Lexus is just ridiculously good for sure. Yeah. For a grand tour, which is where I put most of the turbocharged 911s in the grand touring category, with the capability to do more."
A grand tour car is one that is good for long trips. It is comfortable and fast, so you can drive far without getting tired.
Grand tour (or grand touring) refers to cars designed for high-speed, long-distance driving with a balance of performance and comfort. These cars are typically luxurious and capable of covering long distances with ease.
GR products
"you guys look at all the GR products that TR, the Toyota is coming out with. Have you guys, we need to talk about that maybe on the next show. Yeah, I actually have a GR Yaris in my background here. I should put that up right now."
GR products are special sporty cars made by Toyota. They are designed to be fun to drive and have better performance than regular cars.
GR products are performance-oriented vehicles and models developed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division. These cars focus on sporty driving dynamics and enthusiast appeal, including models like the GR Yaris and upcoming GR versions of other Toyota cars.
Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
"We had a wagon of that era. So same interior, you know, same tail lights, you know, it was a 94 E 320 wagon estate car. It was awesome."
The 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon is a bigger luxury car with lots of space for passengers and stuff. It's known for being strong and lasting a long time.
The 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon is a mid-size luxury estate car known for its spacious interior and durable inline-six engine. It is part of the W124 series, which is highly regarded for build quality.
asymmetric side view mirrors
"So you know, what's kind of cool on those cars is the side view mirrors are asymmetric. So the driver side mirror is different from the passenger side."
Asymmetric side view mirrors mean the mirrors on the left and right sides of the car are shaped differently to help the driver see better and make the car more aerodynamic.
Asymmetric side view mirrors are designed with different shapes or angles on the driver and passenger sides to reduce blind spots and improve aerodynamics. This feature was notable on some Mercedes-Benz models.
Formula One
"You know, are you guys following formula one this year? Are you guys following formula one?"
Formula One is a type of car racing where the fastest and most advanced cars race on tracks all around the world. It's like the top level of car racing.
Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest and most technologically advanced racing cars competing in a global championship.
Honda
"Oh, no. It's a Honda motor. And so the why did that happen? Because Honda who was making brilliant engines before their engineers when they thought the Honda F one project was over all went different places."
Honda is a company from Japan that makes cars and engines. They also make special engines for very fast race cars.
Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable cars and advanced engines, including power units for Formula One racing teams.
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