What was the best ever year for cars? | The Car Podcast #74
About this episode
A lively debate unfolds around the concept of 'more is more' versus 'less is more' in automotive design and performance. Chris Harris and his guests share personal anecdotes and preferences, highlighting iconic cars like the BMW 840 and the Ferrari of the 1980s. They explore how complexity and excess can enhance the driving experience, while also reflecting on the allure of minimalist designs. The conversation touches on dream cars, configurators, and the emotional connection enthusiasts have with their vehicles, making for an engaging discussion on automotive passion.
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(00:00) Intro
(00:06) More is more
(16:05) What was the best year for Cars?
(24:15) Can a British car be exotic?
(41:10) Car news update
(55:08) F1
(1:02:25) 2CG
(1:15:41) 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.
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Lancia Delta
"If you type the car name, Lancia Delta Integrale, the Integrale should always have a small i, never a capital I, because it was always intended to have a small i."
The Lancia Delta Integrale is a special version of a small car called the Lancia Delta. It was famous for winning many rally races and has a powerful engine and four-wheel drive, which helps it grip the road better.
The Lancia Delta Integrale is a high-performance version of the Lancia Delta hatchback, known for its success in rally racing during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It features all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, making it a legendary model among car enthusiasts.
BMW 850
"In road cars, I would say late 80s, BMW 840, 850 dashboard, more is more. They look like 747 cop."
The BMW 850 is a high-performance version of the 840, offering even more power and luxury features. It's designed for those who want a premium driving experience.
The BMW 850 is another model from the 8 Series, similar to the 840, but typically equipped with more powerful engines and luxury features. It showcases BMW's commitment to performance and high-end design.
BMW E28
"...ty of that. You know, I remember my stepmother's E28. It even had that sort of trip computery thing o..."
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury car that's a bit bigger than the 3 Series, known for being comfortable and fun to drive. It's often chosen by business people for its style and features.
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been a key player in the BMW lineup since 1972. It is known for its balance of performance, comfort, and technology, making it a popular choice for executives.
electric seats
"And the other thing, do you remember also, they were very complicated electric seats. You know, rather than having the Mercedes kind of, you know, silhouettes, you go, you did this and this went forward."
Electric seats are car seats that can move and adjust automatically with the push of a button. This makes it easier to find a comfortable position without having to manually adjust them.
Electric seats allow for adjustable seating positions using electronic controls, providing greater comfort and customization for drivers and passengers. They often include features like lumbar support and memory settings.
Formula One
"And again, this was an F1. When, like this year, the ground effect rules were changed."
Formula One, or F1, is a type of car racing where very fast cars compete in races around the world. It's known for its exciting speed and advanced technology.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
ground effect rules
"And again, this was an F1. When, like this year, the ground effect rules were changed. Cars changed very radically in 1983."
Ground effect rules are rules in racing that affect how cars can use air to stick to the ground. When these rules change, it can change how the cars look and how well they perform.
Ground effect rules in Formula 1 refer to regulations that dictate how teams can use aerodynamic principles to generate downforce from the car's floor. Changes to these rules can significantly affect car design and performance.
downforce
"So all the downforce that came from under the car, they got it all back by the beginning of the 1984 season by building rear wings."
Downforce helps keep a car on the ground by pushing it down as it moves fast. This makes it easier to steer and stay stable, especially when going around corners.
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car down towards the road, improving traction and stability at high speeds. It is crucial in racing to maintain control during sharp turns and high-speed maneuvers.
rear wing
"by building rear wings. The size of 747 wings were ducked on the side and front wings, you couldn't believe, and the Ferrari from that era, I think, epitomizes it."
A rear wing is a part on the back of a car that helps it stick to the road better when going fast. It works like a spoiler, pushing the car down to keep it stable.
A rear wing is an aerodynamic component mounted at the back of a car, designed to create downforce and improve stability. It is particularly important in racing cars to enhance performance at high speeds.
Porsche 911
"...you're never going to play around with the middle 911 or the Roma. I mean, who's going to fucking speck a Roma?"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people dream of owning. It has a unique shape and is known for being fast and fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and performance. It has been a staple in the automotive world since its introduction in 1964, with multiple generations and variants that cater to different driving preferences.
Ferrari Roma
"...you're never going to play around with the middle 911 or the Roma. I mean, who's going to fucking speck a Roma?"
The Ferrari Roma is a stylish and fast car made by Ferrari. It's designed for people who want a mix of luxury and performance in their driving experience.
The Ferrari Roma is a grand tourer that combines elegant design with powerful performance. It features a turbocharged V8 engine and is aimed at those looking for a luxurious yet sporty driving experience.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...you want this amazing car, then you sort of want the best one. Who goes on to the Range Rover configurator and buys the 3.6 diesel? I mean, you want to mess around with that?"
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can handle rough terrains while offering a lot of comfort and luxury. Many people buy it for its style and performance.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and high-end features. It's often seen as a status symbol and comes in various trims and engine options.
Citroën CX
"...think more is definitely more. Have you typed in CX Citroen now? Or I've managed."
The Citroen CX is a big family car that's known for its unusual design and comfort. It was quite advanced for its time and is appreciated by car lovers.
The Citroen CX is a large family car produced from 1974 to 1991, known for its innovative design and advanced technology for its time. It is often discussed for its unique styling and comfortable ride.
Citroën GS
"...I was looking at Citroen GS's. Why do I need a GS? I don't, but bloody hell it's got them all."
The Citroën GS is a small car made by a French company called Citroën. It was popular in the 1970s and 80s and is known for its comfortable ride and unique design.
The Citroën GS is a compact car produced by the French automaker Citroën from 1970 to 1986. It is known for its innovative design and technology, including a unique suspension system that provided a smooth ride.
Citroën CX
"...CX 16 valve GTI in white with white wheels. Go on to car classic and you will find one."
The Citroën CX is a bigger car made by Citroën that was sold from the 1970s to the early 90s. It is famous for its smooth ride and unique shape.
The Citroën CX is a large family car produced by Citroën from 1974 to 1991. It is known for its aerodynamic design and advanced technology, including hydropneumatic suspension, which offered excellent ride comfort.
Volkswagen Gti
"..., but bloody hell it's got them all. CX 16 valve GTI in white with white wheels. Go on to car classic..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that's very popular because it's practical and fun to drive. It's known for being reliable and is a good choice for many drivers.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been in production since 1974, known for its versatility and solid performance. It is one of the best-selling cars in the world and is often praised for its practicality and driving dynamics.
Alpine A110
"...I think Neil and I both talked about the RPA 110, which is the basic one. I mind was it is a night is a seven years old this year..."
The RPA 110 is a type of sports car designed to be very light and focused on driving enjoyment. It doesn't have many extra features, which makes it more fun to drive.
The RPA 110 is a lightweight sports car known for its focus on driving purity and performance. It emphasizes a minimalist approach, stripping away unnecessary features to enhance the driving experience.
Alpine A110
"Whatever it is. And I still think that the pure a 110 is the right one. And then two things happened this weekend."
The Alpine A110 is a small, light sports car that's known for being really fun to drive. It has a classic design and is loved by car enthusiasts for its performance.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car that gained fame in the 1960s and 70s for its agility and success in rally racing. The modern version, reintroduced in 2017, pays homage to its classic roots while incorporating modern technology.
Ferrari Enzo
"...the Enzo looking thing. The LaFerrari looking thing."
The Ferrari Enzo is a famous sports car made by Ferrari. It's known for its speed and unique design, and it's named after the founder of the company, Enzo Ferrari.
The Ferrari Enzo is a high-performance supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It features a V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics, making it one of the most iconic models in Ferrari's history.
Ferrari LaFerrari
"...The Enzo looking thing. The LaFerrari looking thing."
The LaFerrari is another famous sports car from Ferrari that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to go really fast. It's one of their most advanced cars ever made.
The LaFerrari is Ferrari's flagship hybrid supercar, combining a V12 engine with an electric motor for enhanced performance and efficiency. It represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering and design capabilities.
dashboard
"I want that 840 dashboard. I don't want, I don't want a bit of lightweight."
The dashboard is the part of the car that you see in front of you when you sit in the driver's seat. It has all the important information like how fast you're going and how much gas you have.
The dashboard is the control panel located in front of the driver in a vehicle, containing instruments and controls for the car's operation. It typically includes gauges for speed, fuel level, and engine temperature, as well as controls for the audio system and climate settings.
Bentley Continental T
"...if you're going to make a two door coupe that weighs 2.7 tons, make a Bentley Continental T, you know, it's not, it's just, it's absurd."
The Bentley Continental T is a fancy car that's very heavy but also very powerful and luxurious. It's designed for comfort and style, making it a top choice for those who want a high-end driving experience.
The Bentley Continental T is a luxury grand tourer known for its powerful performance and opulent features. It combines a heavy weight with high-end materials and craftsmanship, making it a symbol of luxury in the automotive world.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
"...Golf R or GTI? I don't think the GTI is in the middle."
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sportier version of the regular Golf. It's designed to be more fun to drive with a faster engine and better handling.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a performance-oriented version of the standard Golf, known for its sporty handling, turbocharged engine, and enhanced features that make it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
TSI
"...1.4 TSI, Golf R or GTI?"
TSI is a type of engine technology used in some Volkswagen cars that helps the engine produce more power while using less fuel. It makes the car faster and more efficient.
TSI stands for Turbocharged Stratified Injection, a technology used by Volkswagen that combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection to improve performance and efficiency.
Ferrari F12
"...The Ferrari F12, the last pretty V12 Ferrari..."
The Ferrari F12 is a fast and beautiful sports car made by Ferrari. It has a powerful V12 engine, which means it has twelve cylinders that help it go really fast.
The Ferrari F12 is a high-performance sports car that features a V12 engine, known for its striking design and powerful performance. It represents a significant model in Ferrari's lineup, often celebrated for its aesthetics and engineering.
Nürburgring
"And we go out and film this stuff in the Nurburgring and around Germany and Italy. It was just real adventures."
The Nürburgring is a well-known race track in Germany where many car manufacturers test their vehicles. It's famous for being very difficult and is often used in car racing.
The Nürburgring is a famous motorsport complex in Germany, known for its challenging racetrack that is often used for testing and racing high-performance cars. It's considered one of the most demanding tracks in the world.
Bugatti Veyron
"It was other stuff. There was a Bugatti Veyron Super Sports that year, Audi R8 V10 that year. I..."
The Bugatti Veyron is an incredibly fast and expensive car that's known for being one of the quickest cars you can buy. It has a super powerful engine that makes it very special.
The Bugatti Veyron is a hypercar that set new standards for speed and luxury when it was launched in the mid-2000s. Known for its quad-turbocharged W16 engine, it was one of the fastest production cars in the world.
Audi R8
"...here was a Bugatti Veyron Super Sports that year, Audi R8 V10 that year. I remember Evo's car of the year ..."
The Audi R8 is a super cool sports car that's known for being fast and luxurious. It has a powerful engine and a unique design that makes it stand out.
The Audi R8 is a high-performance sports car that combines luxury with cutting-edge technology. Known for its striking design and powerful V10 engine, it has become an iconic model in the supercar segment.
Nissan 350Z
"Nissan 350Z, which is a great rear-wheel drive. That's a great thing to drive, really nice to drive."
The Nissan 350Z is a fun sports car that drives well and has its engine in the front with the back wheels powering it. It's loved by many for its sporty feel.
The Nissan 350Z is a sports car known for its rear-wheel drive layout and performance-oriented design. It offers a balance of power and handling, making it popular among driving enthusiasts.
Lamborghini Gallardo
"Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. How cool was that?"
The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is a super-fast sports car that's lighter and more powerful than the regular Gallardo. It's designed for thrilling performance.
The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is a lightweight, high-performance version of the Gallardo sports car. It features enhancements in power and handling, making it one of the most exciting models from Lamborghini.
Honda Civic Type R
"Positific Type R, always a winner. Hot hatch."
The Honda Civic Type R is a fast and sporty version of the regular Honda Civic. It's designed for people who love to drive and want a car that handles well and is fun to drive.
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance version of the Honda Civic, known for its sporty handling and powerful turbocharged engine. It is often celebrated in the hot hatch segment for its agility and driving dynamics.
BMW M3
"Hot hatch. E92 BMW M3. Mr. Harris had one of those."
The BMW M3 is a super sporty version of the 3 Series, made for people who love fast cars. It has a powerful engine and is known for being really fun to drive.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series, designed for enthusiasts who seek a sportier driving experience. It has a rich motorsport heritage and is celebrated for its powerful engines and precise handling.
BMW E92
"Hot hatch. E92 BMW M3. Mr. Harris had one of those."
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car that many people love for its fun driving experience and comfortable interior. It's a popular choice for those who want a stylish car that also works well for everyday use.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a staple of the BMW lineup since its introduction in 1975. Known for its sporty handling and premium features, it is often discussed for its blend of performance and practicality.
Mercedes-Benz Clk63
"... won the Waffle of Wining never bought me. Merck CLK63 AMG Black. That's a cool bit of kid."
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a stylish luxury coupe that's known for being comfortable and sporty. It's a great choice for those who want a fancy car that looks good.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a luxury coupe that was produced from 1997 to 2010, known for its elegant design and strong performance. It combines the comfort of a Mercedes with the sporty characteristics of a coupe.
Ferrari F430
"...cool bit of kid. Then the original RDR8, Ferrari F430 Skud. Then the winner was the green car with the..."
The Ferrari F430 is a fast and stylish sports car that's loved for its powerful engine and great handling. It's a classic Ferrari that many car fans admire.
The Ferrari F430 is a high-performance sports car produced from 2004 to 2009, known for its powerful V8 engine and sharp handling. It is celebrated for its combination of speed, luxury, and Italian craftsmanship.
Maserati Ghibli
"...ping him out, right? After 33 Stradale, Maserati Ghibli, Detomaso Mangusta, and the delivery of the firs..."
The Maserati Ghibli is a fancy car that looks great and drives fast. It's known for being luxurious and stylish, making it a popular choice among those who want something special.
The Maserati Ghibli is a luxury sports sedan that combines Italian elegance with performance. Since its reintroduction in 2013, it has been noted for its distinctive design and powerful engine options.
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
"...you're in Dubai, for example, I think if you saw Rolls Royce Silver Eighth in Dubai, I think you'd probably say that..."
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a classic luxury car that's known for being very comfortable and stylish. It's an important model in Rolls-Royce history.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury sedan produced from 1965 to 1980, known for its elegant design and smooth ride. It was a significant model for Rolls-Royce, marking the transition to modern manufacturing techniques.
Lotus Esprit
"And I have just two examples of that. The Lotus Esprit S1, the Giugiaro car that could have been a Lambo..."
The Lotus Esprit is a unique-looking sports car that's known for being lightweight and fun to drive. It became famous for appearing in movies and has a special place in car culture.
The Lotus Esprit is a British sports car that was produced from 1976 to 2004, known for its distinctive wedge shape and agile handling. It gained fame for its appearances in films and is celebrated for its lightweight design.
Aston Martin Valhalla
"...ritish and is 100% exotic. It's the Aston Martin Valhalla. What a thing."
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a new supercar that uses both a traditional engine and electric power to go fast. It's designed to be really high-tech and looks amazing.
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a hybrid supercar that represents the brand's push towards electrification while maintaining high-performance standards. It features advanced technology and stunning design, making it a highly anticipated model.
Rolls-Royce Camargue
"...s going up Rodeo Drive. Or you see a Rolls Royce Camargue driving South Beach, Miami, super exotic. It's a..."
The Rolls-Royce Camargue is a very fancy car from the late 70s and early 80s that's known for being super luxurious and unique. It's a rare car that shows off the best of Rolls-Royce design.
The Rolls-Royce Camargue is a luxury coupe produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its distinctive design and exclusivity. It represents the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship from Rolls-Royce.
Jaguar Etype
"What would you say is equal in, I probably know the answer to this, equal in German terms to the level of exoticness that an E-type, Jaguar, 19, an early E-type, what would be the German equivalent?"
The Jaguar E-Type is a beautiful old sports car that many people admire for its looks and speed. It's a classic car that has a special place in car history.
The Jaguar E-Type is a classic sports car that was produced from 1961 to 1975, often celebrated for its stunning design and performance. It is considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made and has a significant place in automotive history.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"I remember the first time I saw the badge, I saw 6.9 on the back of a bootleg of an S-class. I nearly had a senior moment."
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy car that's known for being really comfortable and packed with high-tech features. It's often seen as a status symbol for wealthy people.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan that represents the pinnacle of automotive technology and comfort. It is often discussed for its advanced features, luxurious interior, and status as a symbol of success.
Ferrari Luce
"Is it called? Luce. Luce."
The Ferrari Luce is a less common Ferrari model that still shows off the brand's focus on luxury and speed. It's not as well-known, but it's still a special car.
The Ferrari Luce is a lesser-known model that reflects Ferrari's commitment to luxury and performance. While not as famous as other models, it represents the brand's design philosophy and engineering excellence.
Fiat 500
"...d they've used that one. So it looks like a Fiat 500 from 2013 or something. You know, I'm sure."
The Fiat 500 is a tiny car that's really popular in cities because it's easy to park and fun to drive. It has a cute design and is known for being economical.
The Fiat 500 is a small city car that has become an icon of Italian automotive design since its original launch in 1957. The modern version retains its retro charm while offering updated technology and efficiency.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...istently want to own whenever I see one. It's an ID buzz. Keith on the farm has got an ID buzz."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric version of the classic VW Bus, designed to be eco-friendly and fun. It has a retro look that reminds people of the old buses but with modern technology.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric microbus that pays homage to the classic VW Bus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It represents Volkswagen's commitment to sustainable mobility and retro design.
Porsche Taycan
"I still... When I see a Taycan, I think it's quite a pretty car, that. Yes, goo..."
The Porsche Taycan is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and has a lot of cool tech features. It's part of Porsche's move towards making more environmentally friendly cars.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sports sedan that showcases Porsche's commitment to performance and sustainability. It has received acclaim for its impressive acceleration, handling, and advanced technology.
BMW i3s
"I3, I3. I3's a good car. I3's good."
The BMW i3s is a small electric car that's designed for city driving. It's known for being environmentally friendly and has a cool, different look.
The BMW i3s is an electric compact car that emphasizes sustainability and urban mobility. It features a unique design and is known for its agile handling and eco-friendly technology.
Porsche 928
"... the Ford River, where, if you read my book, the 928 sank. So, yeah, I didn't know Lando was quite so..."
The Porsche 928 is a stylish sports car that was made for comfortable long drives. It has a powerful engine in the front, which is different from most sports cars that have engines in the back.
The Porsche 928 is a grand tourer that was produced from 1978 to 1995, known for its unique front-engine layout and blend of performance and luxury. It was significant for being Porsche's first car designed for long-distance cruising.
Ferrari F40
"And we all know what it is. F40. It's an F40."
The Ferrari F40 is an iconic supercar that's famous for being super fast and having a simple, race-inspired design. It's one of the most sought-after Ferraris ever made.
The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar produced from 1987 to 1992, known for its raw performance and minimalist design. It was the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and is celebrated for its racing pedigree.
Audi S6
"...her than Colin Chapman. That year, that car, the S6 livery Lotus Esprit Turbo came out. It's on car ..."
The Audi S6 is a fast and luxurious car that's a sportier version of the regular Audi A6. It's known for its powerful engine and comfortable ride.
The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, known for its powerful engine and sporty features. It combines luxury with performance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Ford Capri
"... a wormhole studying this. This is called a Ford Capri Piranha. Yes, Piranha."
The Ford Capri is a sporty car that was popular in Europe, kind of like a European version of the Mustang. It's known for its cool design and fun driving experience.
The Ford Capri is a classic coupe that was produced from 1969 to 1986, often referred to as the 'European Mustang' for its sporty design and performance. It was popular for its stylish looks and was aimed at the younger market.
Ford Cortina
"in South Africa. Took Mark won Cortina's Escorts Capris, whacked these engines in."
The Ford Cortina is an old family car that many people in the UK used to drive. It's known for being practical and not too expensive.
The Ford Cortina was a popular family car produced in the UK from the 1960s to the 1980s, known for its practicality and affordability. It played a significant role in British automotive history and was widely used by families.
TVR Tuscan
"...n was, amazingly, he was due to drive in the TVR Tuscan, one mate race later that day."
The TVR Tuscan is a British sports car that's known for being very light and fast. It has a unique look and is loved by car enthusiasts for its exciting driving experience.
The TVR Tuscan is a lightweight sports car produced by the British manufacturer TVR, known for its raw performance and distinctive design. It is celebrated for its engaging driving experience and unique styling.
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