We head to the TOKYO motor show and chat the NEW HiLux
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts share their experiences from the Tokyo Motor Show, highlighting the new Toyota HiLux and Honda Prelude. They dive into the unique features of the Prelude, including its quirky history, and debate the HiLux's updates, focusing on comfort and market strategy. The conversation also touches on the importance of family-friendly marketing in the automotive industry, while sharing personal anecdotes and humorous banter. Notable mentions include the Genesis GV80 and a nostalgic look at the Hyundai Excel, which one host recently acquired.
Steph steps in to cover for Paul and she talks about her new classic Hyundai Excel.
We also chat about the new Toyota HiLux, the Tokyo Mobility show (better known as the Tokyo motor show), plus Gordie and Steph butt heads over Ute advertising...and Gordie is right - as usual.
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Toyota
"What's the point? What am I going to do with this? Happy meal? Yeah. What are we going to do with this? Okay, so the Toyota, the Tokyo Motor Show..."
Toyota makes cars that are popular worldwide for being dependable and easy to maintain. They offer many different styles, from small city cars to big family SUVs.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles and a wide range of models from compact cars to SUVs.
Tokyo Motor Show
"...the Toyota, the Tokyo Motor Show, I guess, or the Tokyo Mobility Show..."
It's a big car event in Japan where companies show off their newest cars and ideas. Think of it like the auto version of a big tech expo.
The Tokyo Motor Show is a major automotive exhibition in Japan where manufacturers unveil new models, concepts, and technology.
Bathurst 12-hour
"[708.9s] Bathurst 12-hour. Yes. And they're not in the GT series anymore..."
It’s a long car race in Australia where drivers and cars try to stay on the track for 12 hours straight, testing speed and durability.
The Bathurst 12-hour is a prestigious endurance race held annually at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia, where cars compete for 12 continuous hours.
Lexus
"I'm at there. Good to say. So please stop. Lexus. Yeah. Yeah."
Lexus makes fancy cars that are comfortable and reliable, often chosen by people who want a luxury experience without paying as much as some other brands.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, known for its refined interiors and smooth ride.
Hyundai GV70
"I was rewarded for bad behavior. So I was in the GV70 and the GV80."
The GV70 is a small SUV from Hyundai that feels like a luxury car but costs less. It has a fancy interior, good safety tech, and can be powered by a regular engine or a hybrid.
The Hyundai GV70 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that debuted in 2020, offering premium interior materials, advanced safety features, and a range of powertrains including gasoline and hybrid options.
lane assist
"it was really good lane assist I can find. It tries to yank me in front of trucks a fair bit."
Lane assist is a safety feature that nudges the steering wheel to keep your car in its lane, so you don’t drift into oncoming traffic.
Lane assist is an advanced driver‑assist feature that helps keep a vehicle centered within its lane by providing steering inputs or warnings when the car drifts toward the lane markings.
Hyundai i30
"Which, by the way, Hyundai Excel now are great. Now, well, you know, well, you know, they're the I-30, right? That's sort of the family that it branched into."
The Hyundai i30 is a small car that many people use for commuting. It’s known for being reliable and having good safety features.
The Hyundai i30 is the successor to the Excel, a compact hatchback/ sedan that has become popular for its practicality and modern features.
1991 Hyundai Excel
"But we in touch with a Hyundai employee who was selling his Excel, which is the car that I've now bought. It’s a 1991 Hyundai Excel. It has less than 30,000 kilometers on it."
The Hyundai Excel is a small, inexpensive car that was sold in the U.S. in the 1980s and early 1990s. It’s known for being simple, easy to maintain, and a good choice if you want something cheap to drive.
The Hyundai Excel is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai from 1985 to 1994. The 1991 model is an early generation that was popular for its affordability and reliability in the U.S. market.
sprint edition
"It's brand new. It was garaged. It's the sprint edition. It's got these like pinstried stickers."
A sprint edition is a special version of a car that looks different and may have extra features. It’s usually made in small numbers.
A sprint edition is a special version of a vehicle that often includes unique styling, limited production numbers, and sometimes performance tweaks.
plastic cup caps
"Yeah, the plastic cup caps. It has all four of them. This car."
Plastic cup caps are the little plastic pieces that cover the top of a wheel. They keep dust out and make the wheel look neat.
Plastic cup caps are the small, removable covers that sit on top of a wheel’s rim or hub to protect it and add a finished look.
five-speed manual
"It's a five‑speed manual."
A five‑speed manual means the car has a gearbox with five gears you shift by hand. It gives more control over speed and power.
A five‑speed manual is a transmission with five forward gears that the driver shifts manually using a clutch and gear stick.
granny spec
"This car. It's a granny spec."
A granny spec is a car that has been heavily customized or worn out, giving it a unique look. It’s often seen in off‑road scenes.
A granny spec refers to a vehicle that has been heavily modified or worn, often with aftermarket parts and a distinctive, sometimes chaotic appearance.
Chicart
"And how much is a chicart then? It's chicart now. How much do you pay for it?"
Chicart makes tiny four‑wheel drive cars that are great for off‑road adventures. They’re small, strong, and easy to work on.
Chicart is a small off‑road vehicle brand known for its rugged, lightweight 4x4s that are popular in the desert and off‑road communities.
Muscle Car Warehouse
"I have a friend who is the owner of the Muscle Car Warehouse. Right. And so I had a delivered there just while I got spruced up."
It’s a shop that sells and fixes old American muscle cars, like the classic Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro.
Muscle Car Warehouse is a specialty automotive retailer and restoration shop that focuses on classic American muscle cars, offering parts, detailing, and custom work.
historic plates
"So my Hyundai Excel is officially, if you're wondering what historic plates. It's officially part of the Sydney Prestige and Muscle Car Club."
Historic plates are special stickers you can put on a car that’s old or classic. They let you drive it sometimes, but only for a few days each year.
Historic plates are special license plates issued to vehicles that qualify as historic or classic cars, allowing limited use on public roads and often granting certain tax or insurance benefits.
electric steering
"So it's not hydraulic steering, it's power, electric steering now."
Electric steering helps you turn the car more easily by using a small motor instead of fluid pressure. It’s lighter and can be tuned to feel different depending on the car’s settings.
Electric steering, also known as electric power steering (EPS), uses an electric motor to assist the driver in turning the wheels, replacing traditional hydraulic systems.
high-lux
"people are paying $85,000, $90,000 drive away for a high-lux that is so old."
High‑lux cars are fancy, expensive vehicles that have a lot of comfort and tech features. Even if they’re older, people still pay top dollar for them.
High-lux refers to high‑luxury vehicles—cars that offer premium features, upscale interiors, and advanced technology but may be older models.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
"Like the tech in it, the interior in it is just like you don't even get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto."
These systems let you use your phone’s maps, music, and messages on the car’s screen. They’re common in newer cars but some older models don’t support them.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are infotainment platforms that allow smartphones to interface with a car’s display, providing navigation, music, and app access in a driver‑safe way.
Genesis GV80
"I think we've talked to Genesis GV80. That's got to be on there. That has to be, I took that on a road trip."
The Genesis GV80 is a fancy SUV from the Korean brand Genesis. It’s big, comfortable, and has lots of modern tech inside.
The Genesis GV80 is a midsize luxury SUV produced by the Korean automaker Genesis, known for its upscale interior and advanced technology features.
Tesla
"Well, Tesla is really good with that sort of stuff."
Tesla makes cars that run only on electricity instead of gasoline. They also have a big network of special charging stations so you can recharge your car while traveling.
Tesla, Inc. is an American automotive and energy company known for producing all-electric cars, battery energy storage, and solar products. Their vehicles are notable for high performance, advanced software, and a large network of fast-charging stations.
performance hybrid
"It's a performance hybrid. So the hybrid engine is just going towards getting rid of any sort of turbo lag."
A performance hybrid is a car that uses both gasoline and electric power to make it faster and more efficient. The electric part helps the car start quickly and run smoother.
A performance hybrid combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors to deliver higher power and torque while improving efficiency. The electric assist can reduce lag and provide instant response.
turbo lag
"So the hybrid engine is just going towards getting rid of any sort of turbo lag."
Turbo lag is the moment when a car with a turbo engine feels slow to respond after you press the gas. Hybrids can help make that delay less noticeable.
Turbo lag is the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing boost pressure. Hybrid systems can mitigate this by using electric motors for instant torque.
Mazda MX-5
"[2815.7s] They tell you how to drive that car. [2816.7s] And I'm like, thank you, sir. [2818.7s] Yes. [2819.7s] I had a bit of a debate in my head whether we should put on the Mazda MX-5"
The Mazda MX‑5 is a small, two‑seat car that’s famous for being very easy to drive and fun on winding roads. It has a simple, lightweight design that makes it feel like a real sports car.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata in North America, is a lightweight, rear‑wheel drive sports car celebrated for its balanced handling and fun driving experience.
Caballet
"So Mini Cooper S, Caballet, Porsche 911 GT3 hybrid,"
Caballet makes parts that improve the look or performance of Mini cars. They’re known for making good quality upgrades like better springs and body panels.
Caballet is a specialty aftermarket company that designs and manufactures performance parts for Mini vehicles, including suspension upgrades, body kits, and engine components.
Bentley
"So you can sit in the back of the Bentley and drink a scotch. It’s smell of your violin."
Bentley makes fancy, expensive cars that are very comfortable and powerful. They’re often seen as a status symbol.
Bentley is a British luxury automobile manufacturer known for high-end, handcrafted cars that emphasize opulence and performance.
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