The most underrated cars, a Porsche for £35k & is V6 the new V8? | evo Q&A EP1
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts tackle listener questions about underrated cars, the merits of switching from a Golf R to an M140i, and nostalgic group tests from EVO's past. They delve into the charm of the Lotus Elise S1, the Mugen Honda Civic Type R, and the evolving reputation of the Lamborghini Huracan. With insights on the driving experience of classic models like the Countach, the episode highlights the often-overlooked gems in the automotive world, making a case for why some cars deserve more recognition than they receive.
In this episode of the evo podcast we embark on our first Q&A, with Richard Meaden, James Taylor, Sam Jenkins and Yousuf Ashraf answering reader's questions...and some from within the evo office. To submit your own, email us at: [email protected]
Volkswagen Golf
"So his question is, I've got a Mark 7.5 Volkswagen Golf R. Should I change it to an M140i?"
The Volkswagen Golf R is a sporty version of the Golf car, designed for better performance and handling. The 'Mk7.5' means it's a slightly updated version of the seventh generation of the Golf.
The Volkswagen Golf R is a high-performance variant of the popular Golf hatchback, known for its all-wheel drive and turbocharged engine. The Mk7.5 refers to the mid-cycle refresh of the seventh generation of the Golf, which includes various performance and technology upgrades.
BMW M140I
"... 7.5 Volkswagen Golf R. Should I change it to an M140i? No."
The BMW 1 Series is a smaller car that still has the sporty feel of a BMW. It's a good option for people who want a luxury car without going for a bigger model.
The BMW 1 Series is a compact hatchback that offers a blend of sporty performance and practicality, appealing to those looking for a smaller BMW. It features rear-wheel drive in some models, which is a characteristic of BMW's driving dynamics. The 1 Series is often discussed for its entry-level position in the BMW lineup and its balance of luxury and affordability.
straight six
"If it's more like a long distance car, I think that straight six is quite nice. And it gives a nice, a really nice character."
A straight six engine has six cylinders lined up in a row. It's known for running smoothly and providing good power.
A straight six engine is an inline engine configuration with six cylinders arranged in a straight line. This layout is known for its smooth operation and balance, providing a good power-to-weight ratio.
rear wheel drive
"But yeah, maybe if you've not driven a rear wheel drive car before. Yeah, maybe you want to learn different."
In rear wheel drive cars, the back wheels get the power from the engine. This can make the car handle differently, often better for sporty driving.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup can enhance handling and performance, especially in sports cars.
turbocharged
"Learn with a 300 horsepower plus turbo chance. It is still the only rear wheel drive, you know, hot hatch."
A turbocharged engine has a special device that helps it get more air, which makes it more powerful without needing a bigger engine.
Turbocharged engines use a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase engine power and efficiency by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
hot hatch
"It is still the only rear wheel drive, you know, hot hatch. Yeah, yeah, there are no other cars like that."
A hot hatch is a sporty version of a hatchback car. It's designed to be fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use.
A hot hatch is a high-performance version of a hatchback car, combining practicality with sporty performance and handling. These cars are often compact and agile.
BMW M3
"Yeah. We could add LaFerrari and F80 into that. Yeah, that would be pretty cool."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that comes from the regular BMW 3 Series. It's loved by car fans because it can be both fun to drive and practical for everyday use.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engines, sporty handling, and iconic status in the automotive world. It has a rich motorsport heritage and is often celebrated for its balance of everyday usability and thrilling driving experience. The M3 is frequently discussed among enthusiasts for its performance capabilities and tuning potential.
Ferrari LaFerrari
"Yeah. We could add LaFerrari and F80 into that. Yeah, that would be pretty co..."
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a super-fast car that uses both a traditional engine and an electric motor to go even faster. It's very rare and expensive, making it a dream car for many.
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a hybrid supercar that represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering and design, combining a powerful V12 engine with an electric motor for enhanced performance. It is limited in production, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. The LaFerrari is often discussed for its cutting-edge technology and its role in Ferrari's commitment to hybrid performance.
Lamborghini Aventador
"...the V12 Lamborghinis, because there was Kuntas up to Aventador a few years ago."
The Aventador is a very high-end sports car made by Lamborghini. It's known for its cool looks and super powerful engine that makes it really fast.
The Lamborghini Aventador is a flagship supercar known for its striking design and powerful V12 engine. It has been in production since 2011 and is celebrated for its performance and luxury.
Bugatti Veyron
"...with the Veyron, Enzo, Coro GT and Azonda."
The Bugatti Veyron is a very fast and expensive sports car. It has a powerful engine and is known for being one of the fastest cars ever made.
The Bugatti Veyron is a high-performance sports car known for its incredible speed and luxury. It was one of the fastest production cars in the world when it was released, featuring a quad-turbocharged W16 engine.
Pagani Zonda
"...with the Veyron, Enzo, Coro GT and Azonda."
The Pagani Zonda is a very special and expensive sports car. It has a unique look and is known for being very fast and well-made.
The Pagani Zonda is a high-performance sports car known for its unique design and powerful engine. It features a Mercedes-Benz V12 engine and is celebrated for its craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Porsche Carrera GT
"...with the Veyron, Enzo, Coro GT and Azonda."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a fast sports car made by Porsche. It has a powerful engine and is known for being very fun to drive on the road or track.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the early 2000s. It features a naturally aspirated V10 engine and is known for its exceptional handling and driving experience.
Ferrari Enzo
"...with the Veyron, Enzo, Coro GT and Azonda."
The Ferrari Enzo is a special sports car made by Ferrari. It has a powerful engine and is designed for high performance, making it very fast and exciting to drive.
The Ferrari Enzo is a limited-production supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It features a mid-mounted V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics, making it a significant model in Ferrari's history.
Porsche 996 Gt2
"One around, what would it be? 996 GT2, I think, was the trigger for that. And then we ..."
The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that many people recognize by its unique shape. It's known for being very fast and fun to drive, making it popular among car lovers.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional performance. It has a long history of evolution, maintaining its iconic status while continuously improving technology and driving dynamics. The 911 is often discussed for its versatility, being suitable for both everyday driving and track performance.
Porsche GT3
"I mean, it'd be about 60 cars now if you had all the GT3 and RSs. But there'd be some Caymans and boxes and things to throw in there as well."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a special version of the 911 sports car made for racing and high performance. It has a stronger engine and better handling than regular models.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the 911, designed for track use while still being street-legal. It features a more powerful engine and enhanced handling characteristics.
Porsche Cayman
"But there'd be some Caymans and boxes and things to throw in there as well, wouldn't there?"
The Porsche Cayman is a smaller sports car made by Porsche. It has its engine in the middle, which helps it handle better on the road.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that offers a balance of performance and handling. It is known for its agile driving dynamics and is often seen as a more affordable alternative to the 911.
Lotus Elise
"That's a tricky one. Elise S1. Nobody ever says that's any good."
The Lotus Elise S1 is a small, lightweight sports car that was made by Lotus. It's known for being fun to drive, but some people think it has some downsides, like not being very comfortable or practical.
The Lotus Elise S1 is the first generation of the Elise sports car, known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It was produced in the late 1990s and is often praised for its driving experience, despite mixed reviews regarding its practicality.
Honda Civic
"of the Honda Civic Type R. So this was the FN2 shape, the one that's kind of shaped like a rocket ship."
The Honda Civic Type R is a sportier version of the regular Honda Civic, designed for better performance and handling. The FN2 is the name for a specific version of this car that was made between 2007 and 2011.
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance variant of the Honda Civic, known for its sporty design and enhanced driving dynamics. The FN2 refers to the specific generation of this model produced from 2007 to 2011, which features a distinctive shape and performance-oriented features.
Honda NSX R
"...looked great because it looked like the equivalent NSX R. Yeah. But that had a diff, which changed the car quite a lot, actually."
The Honda NSX R is a special version of the NSX sports car that is lighter and more focused on performance, making it better for racing and driving on tracks.
The Honda NSX R is a lightweight, high-performance version of the original NSX, designed for enhanced driving dynamics and track performance.
differential
"...But that had a diff, which changed the car quite a lot, actually. But otherwise, it was standard, so far as I'm aware."
A differential is a part of a car that helps the wheels turn at different speeds, which is important for making turns smoothly without skidding.
A differential is a mechanical component that allows wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is crucial for handling and stability, especially during turns.
Lotus Evora
"...the latest Evora in the test of the six cylinder cars. I think the Evora 400, the first one, when they kind of heavily updated it and gave it..."
The Lotus Evora 400 is a sports car that is fast and fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and is designed to be lightweight, making it very responsive on the road.
The Lotus Evora 400 is a high-performance sports car known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It features a supercharged V6 engine, providing a thrilling driving experience.
BMW Z4
"...I think there's a spoke about a Z4 M, Coupe in previous podcasts, but probably the three-litre, non-M, Coupe is the sweeter car."
The BMW Z4 M Coupe is a sporty car made by BMW that is designed for high performance and fun driving. It's part of BMW's M division, which focuses on making faster and more powerful versions of their cars.
The BMW Z4 M Coupe is a high-performance version of the Z4 sports car, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It represents the M division's commitment to performance and driving dynamics.
BMW M Coupe
"...maybe more of what you'd expect the M Coupe to be. Obviously, it doesn't have the same engine, but they'd be for nothing now."
The BMW M Coupe is a sporty car made by BMW that is designed for performance and fun driving. It's a two-door coupe that offers a powerful engine and great handling.
The BMW M Coupe is a high-performance version of the BMW Z3 and Z4 roadsters, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It combines the practicality of a coupe with the performance characteristics of BMW's M division.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...you mentioned the Lamborghini, later, Lamborghini Huracans. That car evolved quite a bit over its life."
The Lamborghini Huracan is a very fast and expensive sports car made by Lamborghini. It has a powerful engine and is designed for high performance and luxury.
The Lamborghini Huracan is a supercar that succeeded the Gallardo, featuring a V10 engine and advanced technology for high performance. It is known for its striking design and exceptional handling capabilities.
supercar
"...I think it's still one of the best supercars I've driven, just because it's got obviously the noise and everything..."
A supercar is a very fast and expensive sports car that is designed for high performance. These cars are often seen as the best of the best in terms of speed and style.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that offers extreme speed, advanced technology, and exceptional handling. They are typically produced in limited numbers and are known for their luxury and exclusivity.
Lamborghini Countache
"...older Lamborghinis. My favorite car grown up was Lamborghini Countache and everything I'd ever read about it"
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous supercar with a very unique design and powerful engine. It's a car that many people dream about because of how cool and fast it is.
The Lamborghini Countach is an iconic supercar that became a symbol of 1980s automotive design with its sharp angles and scissor doors. Known for its powerful V12 engine and striking looks, the Countach has a legendary status among car enthusiasts and collectors. It is often discussed for its influence on the supercar genre and its place in automotive history.
Porsche Boxster
"...ving experience, but very different to a regular Boxster. You know, maybe the R wasn't quite such a step ..."
The Porsche Boxster is a small sports car that you can drive with the top down, making it fun for sunny days. It's known for being very responsive and enjoyable to drive.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster that combines sports car performance with open-top driving enjoyment. It is known for its agile handling and balanced weight distribution, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The Boxster's evolution over the years has introduced various performance upgrades and special editions, keeping it relevant in the sports car market.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series
"SR 65 Black Series or SLS Black Series? SLS. Well, I think the SLS is. It was a really convincing black series, actually."
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is a faster and sportier version of the SLS AMG, which is a luxury sports car. It has special features that make it lighter and more powerful, making it better for performance driving.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is a high-performance variant of the SLS AMG, known for its lightweight construction and enhanced power output. It features a more aggressive design and improved handling characteristics compared to the standard SLS AMG.
Porsche Cayenne
"Yeah. Crikey could have a Cayenne turbo or something. You could find an old manual..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that drives like a sports car. It has lots of space for passengers and cargo, making it great for families or road trips.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that combines the performance characteristics of a sports car with the practicality of an SUV. It has become one of Porsche's best-selling models, offering a range of powerful engines and a high-quality interior. The Cayenne is often discussed for its ability to deliver a sporty driving experience while still being versatile for everyday use.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
"...e. There was so many other cars like the Aframeo Giulia, whether it's the the Quadrifoglio or the regula..."
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stylish car that feels fun to drive, with a sporty design. It's a good choice for people who want a unique car that stands out from the crowd.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a compact executive car known for its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. It has garnered attention for its performance-oriented variants, particularly the Quadrifoglio, which features a powerful engine and sharp handling. The Giulia represents Alfa Romeo's return to the sports sedan market, appealing to enthusiasts looking for something different.
BMW E65
"and not too digitally detached. I think I'll keep my E-65 series and E-89Z4 forever. Yeah, fair enough."
The BMW 7 Series is a large, luxurious car that offers a lot of comfort and high-tech features. It's designed for people who want a smooth ride and plenty of space.
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that showcases BMW's commitment to comfort, technology, and performance. It features advanced technology and a spacious interior, making it a favorite among executives and luxury car buyers. The 7 Series is often discussed for its blend of performance and luxury, as well as its role as a flagship model in BMW's lineup.
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