What’s happened to Porsche? | The Car Podcast #75
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds around the evolution of the Lamborghini Countach, exploring how the addition of features over the years has led to a decline in its original appeal. The hosts debate the merits of various models, emphasizing how 'more' often detracts from the driving experience. Anecdotes about personal car preferences and comparisons to food, particularly burgers, illustrate the theme that balance is key in both automotive design and culinary delights. The conversation also touches on other cars that exemplify this principle, making for an engaging and humorous episode.
Download Car & Classic’s app today to see our 2CG’s, and our weekly pick of our favourite listings: https://candc.li/App_Download_
(00:00) Intro
(00:06) More is less
(15:30) The news
(19:36) You bought a private plate, but you didn't ! Private plate purchasing shenanigans
(28:24) Has Porsche gone a little bit boring ?
(46:37) The pleasure of using a car as it was designed
(59:10) 2CG by Car & Classic
(1:10:02) Music
Welcome to Chris Harris on Cars. The platform where Chris Harris (of Top Gear & automotive journalist) explores the obsessive world of cars. From in-depth reviews and hilarious podcasts, to pushing a car to its limits and debates on the future of the automobile - Chris and his friends bring their unfiltered passion, expertise, and humour. Whether you're a die-hard petrolhead or just curious about our world, this is your go-to destination for everything on four wheels.
#ChrisHarris #Car #Podcast #CarPodcast #AutoTalk #MotoringFans #CarReviews #TopGear #ClassicCars #Supercars #DrivingPassion #CarEnthusiasts #AutomotiveNews #EVsAndHybrids #CarCulture #Petrolheads #CarLovers #MotorsportTalk #CarDesign #RoadTrips #CarTrends #PerformanceCars
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ferrari 512 TR
"...isn't it supposed to be in a bit like a 512 TR? Isn't it supposed to be a better car, the anniversary?"
The Ferrari 512 TR is a fast and stylish sports car made by Ferrari in the 1990s. It has a powerful engine and is popular among car lovers.
The Ferrari 512 TR is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the early 1990s. It is known for its powerful V12 engine and striking design, making it a classic among Ferrari enthusiasts.
Lamborghini Countach
"Hal Boney. When he was asked which one is the Countach for you, he says it's the LP 400."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous sports car that was made from the 70s to the 90s. It's known for its sharp angles and powerful engine, making it a symbol of luxury and speed.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar produced from 1974 to 1990, known for its striking design and powerful V12 engine. It became an icon of automotive design and performance, often discussed for its influence on the supercar genre.
Land Rover Range Rover
"A normal full-size Range Rover with the very, very powerful petrol engines don't work."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV made by Land Rover. It's known for being very comfortable and powerful, often used for both city driving and off-road adventures.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, known for its off-road capabilities and high-end features. It offers powerful engine options and a spacious interior, making it a popular choice among luxury vehicle buyers.
Land Rover Defender V8
"...absolutely bloody awful 70th anniversary Defender V8. Yes. That was made by, bless them, Land Rover Classic."
The Land Rover Defender V8 is a tough, off-road vehicle that has a powerful V8 engine. It's known for its ability to handle rough terrain and is a favorite among people who love adventure.
The Land Rover Defender V8 is a powerful variant of the classic Defender model, known for its rugged off-road capabilities and distinctive design. The V8 engine enhances its performance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
V8 engine
"...They've taken the V8 from the Jaguar..."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders that help the car produce a lot of power. It's commonly found in powerful cars and trucks, making them faster and more capable.
A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It is known for providing a good balance of power and smoothness, often used in performance and luxury vehicles.
G-Class Gwagon
"This is really crap. I thought it was going to be the British G-Wagon. And it's like a TR7"
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagon, is a fancy SUV that looks very tough and can go off-road. It's popular for its unique shape and luxurious features inside.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the G-Wagon, is a luxury SUV that has been in production since 1979, known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It has gained a cult following for its distinctive boxy shape and luxurious interior.
Triumph TR7
"...it's like a TR7 with a V12 in it, with an automatic gearbox. It was really bad. And I mean, they still hold their money, those things."
The Triumph TR7 is a British sports car made in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It has a unique triangular shape and is known for being one of the last cars made by Triumph.
The Triumph TR7 is a sports car that was produced by the British automaker Triumph from 1975 to 1981. It is known for its distinctive wedge shape and was one of the last models produced by the brand before it ceased operations.
V12 engine
"...with a V12 in it, with an automatic gearbox. It was really bad. And I mean, they still hold their money, those things."
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders arranged in a V shape. It usually runs very smoothly and can produce a lot of power, which is why it's often found in high-end cars.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. This type of engine is known for its smooth operation and high power output, making it popular in luxury and performance vehicles.
automatic gearbox
"...with an automatic gearbox. It was really bad. And I mean, they still hold their money, those things."
An automatic gearbox is a system in a car that changes gears on its own. This means you don't have to manually shift gears while driving, making it easier to operate the vehicle.
An automatic gearbox is a type of transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on steering and acceleration without manually shifting gears.
Ferrari 599
"By the way, go and see a 599 with the rare standard wheel. There's about four of them with the living on the standard wheel. They look superb."
The Ferrari 599 is a high-performance sports car made by Ferrari. It has a powerful engine and is designed for both speed and comfort, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Ferrari 599 is a grand tourer produced by Ferrari from 2006 to 2012, known for its powerful V12 engine and luxurious features. It combines performance with elegance, making it a sought-after model among enthusiasts.
Ferrari F12
"where he walked in and said, I want a Ferrari F12. Please do not sell me any options."
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a super-fast sports car that came out in 2012. It's famous for its powerful engine and beautiful looks, making it a dream car for many people.
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a high-performance sports car introduced in 2012, known for its powerful V12 engine and stunning design. It represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering and is often discussed for its speed and luxury.
BMW E32
"...So E32 BMW 7 Series, they bought out the Majestic 750..."
The BMW 7 Series is a fancy car made by BMW that is designed for comfort and luxury. The E32 is a specific version of this car that was made in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The BMW 7 Series is a luxury sedan that has been produced since 1977, with the E32 being the second generation produced from 1986 to 1994. It is known for its advanced technology and high level of comfort.
BMW 735i
"...if you go back and read the reports and if you've drive them, the 735i is a sweeter car. It's just a nicer, better balanced car."
The BMW 735i is a luxury sedan that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. It's known for being well-balanced, making it enjoyable to drive.
The BMW 735i is part of the 7 Series, known for its luxury and performance. It features a balanced design and is often praised for its driving dynamics compared to other models in its class.
Audi A8 W12
"Howdy did the same with the W12 A8. There's so many examples of..."
The Audi A8 W12 is a high-end luxury car that has a powerful W12 engine, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. It's designed for comfort and advanced features.
The Audi A8 W12 is a luxury sedan equipped with a W12 engine, known for its smooth power delivery and refined performance. It represents Audi's flagship model, combining advanced technology with luxury.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen
"I think the best one I've ever driven by some margin was the previous generation G-Wagen. There was a V12 G65."
The G-Wagen is a tough and luxurious SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. The previous generation is the older version that had its own unique style and features.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, also known as the G-Class, is a luxury SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. The previous generation refers to the model before the latest redesign, which may have different features and performance characteristics.
horsepower
"...they had about 630 horsepower, but it had so much torque."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower generally translating to better acceleration and speed.
torque
"...but it had so much torque. It was a twin-turbo V12 that you could feel the chassis rails twisting when you're accelerated."
Torque is a measure of how strong an engine is at making the car move. More torque means the car can start moving faster and pull heavier loads.
Torque measures the rotational force an engine produces. It's crucial for acceleration and pulling power, especially at low speeds. High torque allows a vehicle to move quickly from a standstill.
twin-turbo
"...it had so much torque. It was a twin-turbo V12 that you could feel the chassis rails twisting when you're accelerated."
Twin-turbo means the engine has two turbochargers that help it produce more power. This makes the car faster and more efficient than if it only had one turbo.
A twin-turbo setup uses two turbochargers to increase an engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This results in improved performance and efficiency compared to a single turbocharger setup.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"More was so much less. I think the SL repeatedly did this as well. An SL500 is a sweet..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible car that has been around for a long time. The SL500 version is especially liked because it drives smoothly and has a strong engine.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster that has been in production since 1952, known for its blend of performance and comfort. The SL500 model is particularly celebrated for its smooth ride and powerful engine, making it a desirable choice among luxury sports cars.
Porsche 911
"quite often it's a little bit less. The 911 is confusing. It goes through different periods."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around since the 1960s. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, and many car enthusiasts talk about how it has changed and improved over time.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has undergone various iterations since its introduction in 1964, making it a significant model in automotive history, often discussed for its performance and evolution over the years.
steering feel
"The intuition being I could afford a turbo, but I prefer the steering feel."
Steering feel is how much you can feel the road through the steering wheel. A car with good steering feel makes it easier to control and enjoy driving.
Steering feel refers to the feedback and response a driver gets from the steering wheel when driving. A car with good steering feel allows the driver to sense the road better and enhances the overall driving experience.
Stellantis
"Actually, what are they? Oh, my God. Mr. Harris, you go first. Give me a Stellantis brand."
Stellantis is a large car company that owns many different car brands. It was created when two big car companies joined together, and now it makes cars under several names.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses a variety of well-known automotive brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
Peugeot
"...Yep. Manish. Peugeot. Yep."
Peugeot is a car brand from France that makes different types of cars, like small cars and larger ones.
Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including compact cars and SUVs.
Jeep
"I was going to say Jeep. Come on. In America. Chrysler. Jeep."
Jeep is a car brand from America that makes tough vehicles, especially ones designed for off-roading.
Jeep is an American automotive brand known for its rugged off-road vehicles, particularly the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Porsche Boxster
"...where is the nine to eight? Or where is the mini Boxster RS thing that's like limited edition? Or where's..."
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible sports car that first came out in the late 90s. It's loved for its fun driving experience and is often seen as a more budget-friendly option compared to other Porsche models.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster that debuted in 1996, offering a more affordable entry point into the Porsche brand. It is celebrated for its balanced handling and open-top driving experience, making it a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.
Porsche Cayman
"..., if there was a really cool, pretty new Boxster Cayman coming out now that had a really clever I.C.E. o..."
The Porsche Cayman is a two-door sports car that looks similar to the Boxster but has a hard roof instead of a convertible top. It's praised for its great handling and speed, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
The Porsche Cayman is a coupe version of the Boxster, introduced in 2005, known for its sharp handling and performance. It shares many components with the Boxster but offers a more rigid structure and a fixed roof, appealing to those who prefer a coupe style.
Porsche Panamera
"certainly, you know, Panamera is no longer, you can't get the sausage anymore, which is a real shame."
The Porsche Panamera is a high-end car that has four doors and is designed for both speed and comfort. It's known for being fast and luxurious.
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan that combines performance with comfort, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine options.
Porsche Cayenne
"The new Cayenne is just an electric behemoth. And you can't get the new Taycan is"
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that combines the features of a sports car with the space of an SUV. The newest versions are electric, meaning they run on batteries instead of gasoline.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance and practicality, and the latest models are now available as electric vehicles.
Porsche Taycan
"And you can't get the new Taycan is so the new McCann is another electric vehicle."
The Porsche Taycan is a fast and modern electric car that looks like a sports car. It's part of Porsche's move to make more electric vehicles.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric sports sedan that offers high performance and advanced technology, representing Porsche's shift towards electric mobility.
Porsche 928
"...Cayman, a Boxster, a 911, and it'll have to be a 928. And it has to be a 968. And it can't be all thos..."
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car that was made from the late 70s to the mid-90s. It has a different design than the typical Porsche, with the engine in the front, and is known for being comfortable and powerful.
The Porsche 928 is a grand tourer that was produced from 1978 to 1995, featuring a front-engine layout and a distinctive design. It was initially intended to replace the 911 but became known for its luxury, comfort, and performance, making it a unique offering in the Porsche lineup.
Volkswagen Golf
"...reme cars. I've said this before. I think the VW Golf Mark 7 1.4 TSI is an extraordinary car because th..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that has been popular for many years because it's easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. The Mark 7 model is especially liked for being both fun to drive and good on gas.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been in production since 1974 and is known for its practicality, reliability, and fun-to-drive nature. The Mark 7 version, introduced in 2012, is particularly praised for its balance of performance and efficiency.
Rolls-Royce Rollsroyce Silver
"and feel just as good driving this car as you do in the back. But it's not my best class to say these. I think it is the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2. And I think that that car is, it's just an occasion. There's one round the corner I've seen. It's clapped out at black."
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a very luxurious car made from the 60s to the 80s. It's famous for its comfortable ride and beautiful interior, making it a symbol of wealth and elegance.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury sedan produced from 1965 to 1980, known for its opulent interior and smooth ride. It represents a significant shift in Rolls-Royce's production methods and is often discussed for its classic status and craftsmanship.
Audi 90
"...nce and she was with my father and they had a B3 Audi 90 Quattro. That fucking thing that was like a bar o..."
The Audi 90 is a compact car that was made in the 80s and early 90s. It's known for being well-built and has a special all-wheel-drive system that helps it handle well in different conditions.
The Audi 90 is a compact executive car produced from 1984 to 1991, known for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and solid build quality. It is often remembered for its performance and reliability, making it a popular choice during its production years.
Audi Quattro
"...she was with my father and they had a B3 Audi 90 Quattro. That fucking thing that was like a bar of soap, ..."
The Audi Quattro is a sporty car that was introduced in the early 80s and is famous for its all-wheel-drive system. This feature helps it grip the road better, especially in tough driving conditions.
The Audi Quattro is a revolutionary all-wheel-drive sports car that debuted in 1980, known for its performance and rally heritage. It played a significant role in popularizing all-wheel drive in performance vehicles, making it a landmark model in automotive history.
Bmw 6
"... Forget about if it was part, but I found a 1981 BMW 6 Series, a 635 it, it's a five speed manual. And w..."
The BMW 6 Series is a stylish luxury car that has been around since the late 70s. The older models, especially from the 80s, are loved for their classic look and smooth driving feel.
The BMW 6 Series is a luxury grand tourer that has been in production since 1976, known for its blend of performance and comfort. The E24 model from the 1980s is particularly celebrated for its classic design and driving experience.
Porsche 968
"...at it is. Six speed manual gearbox, 1994 Porsche 968 convertible. That is nice. Can you imagine chasin..."
The Porsche 968 is a sporty car that was made in the early 90s. It's appreciated for how well it handles on the road and is considered a great option for those who want something different from other Porsches.
The Porsche 968 is a sports car produced from 1992 to 1995, known for its balanced handling and innovative technology. It is often regarded as a hidden gem among Porsche enthusiasts, offering a unique driving experience compared to its more famous siblings.
Volkswagen Jetta
"... mega. I think you would always look back at a VW Jetta 16 valve. That was the thinking person's Golf GT..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a four-door car that's popular for being reliable and practical. The 16-valve model is remembered for being a bit sportier and more fun to drive than the regular versions.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that has been a staple in the VW lineup since 1979, known for its practicality and solid build quality. The 16-valve version is particularly remembered for its sporty performance and has a loyal following among enthusiasts.
Lotus Elise
"...is because this is such a winner. It is. A Lotus Elise S2. That was nice in the auction. I think nice, l..."
The Lotus Elise is a very light and small sports car that focuses on giving you a thrilling driving experience. It's known for being fun to drive because it handles really well on the road.
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight sports car that debuted in 1996, known for its exceptional handling and minimalist design. It emphasizes driving purity and performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a raw driving experience.
BMW Z3Ms
"...n now. And now I'm new to these, but these little Z3Ms in silver are, I've led to believe really good c..."
The BMW Z3 is a small two-seat convertible car made in the late 90s and early 2000s. It's known for being fun to drive and became famous after appearing in a James Bond movie.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster that was produced from 1995 to 2002, known for its sporty design and engaging driving experience. It gained popularity after being featured in a James Bond film, making it a cultural icon of the late 90s.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.