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What would you bring to The Great British Jaguar Day? | The Car Podcast #87

What would you bring to The Great British Jaguar Day? | The Car Podcast #87

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About this episode

The hosts kick off with a mix of car trivia and real-world ownership stories, from Peugeot wheel-stamp details to a Ford Galaxy’s service-history paperwork and a Dan Gurney replica. The conversation then swings into motorsport and tech speculation, before landing on “The Great British Jaguar Day.” They preview Jaguar stage and hangar highlights like the XJR15, CX-75, and Type 00 prototype, then debate what Jaguar they’d personally bring—plus a few humorous award categories and judging quirks.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

unsprung mass

"Did you know that the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 alloy wheels were either stamped Italy Speedline or France SMR and that the Italy stamped alloys were one and a half kilos lighter per corner than the France stamped wheels."

Unsprung mass is basically the weight of the parts that the suspension has to “control” directly, like the wheels. If that weight is lower, the car can react better when the road is bumpy.

Part

alloy wheels

"Did you know that the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 alloy wheels were either stamped Italy Speedline or France SMR and that the Italy stamped alloys were one and a half kilos lighter per corner than the France stamped wheels."

Alloy wheels are the aluminum wheels you often see on performance cars. They can be lighter than steel wheels, which can make the car feel a bit sharper and more responsive.

Concept

wheel supplier stamps (Speedline vs SMR)

"Did you know that the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 alloy wheels were either stamped Italy Speedline or France SMR and that the Italy stamped alloys were one and a half kilos lighter per corner than the France stamped wheels. ... I think that's why they used to get stolen a lot in period didn't they because the spare wheel was like in that little cradle."

They’re talking about how some original wheels were made by different companies. You can sometimes tell which company made yours by looking for a stamp, and that’s important for people who care about originality.

Car

Peugeot 205

"... but I like it. Here we go. Did you know that the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 alloy wheels were either stamped Italy Sp..."

The Peugeot 205 CTI is a small sporty car from the 1980s. It’s the kind of car people like because it’s fun and has a strong following. The podcast mentions it while talking about specific parts and details, like wheels.

Car

Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9

"Here we go. Did you know that the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 alloy wheels were either stamped Italy Speedline or France SMR and that the Italy stamped alloys were one and a half kilos lighter per corner than the France stamped wheels."

The Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 is a famous old “hot hatch” that car fans still talk about. Here they’re pointing out that some of its factory alloy wheels came from different makers, and you can tell which by the stamp.

Car

Volkswagen Gti

"...d wheels. Great. All of you people that own a 1.9 GTI are now going to have to run outside look for the..."

The Volkswagen Golf is a common compact car. The podcast is talking about a performance version called the 1.9 GTI. It’s mentioned because something is happening that will affect people who own that model.

Topic

historic racing at Riverside and Willow Springs

"with motor racing and went to Riverside, went to Willow Springs and saw all these amazing early [375.6s] 60s races. Dan Gurney was from Costa Mesa, Orange County. And he was the local hero. So when you'd [387.0s] go to Willow Springs or Riverside and watch these land 26 hours racing galaxies, racing [396.9s] lightweight E types, Cobras, you know, We Can Heroes is the book,"

They’re talking about visiting famous old race tracks—Riverside and Willow Springs—to watch classic racing. That’s the setting for the stories about the cars and drivers they admire.

Car

Shelby Cobra

"And when you'd [375.6s] go to Willow Springs or Riverside and watch these land 26 hours racing galaxies, racing [396.9s] lightweight E types, Cobras, you know, We Can Heroes is the book, if you can afford it,"

The Shelby Cobra is a very famous old American sports car. They mention it because it was one of the iconic cars people watched racing at those historic tracks.

Car

Ford Galaxy

"Steve had watched Dan Gurney race a galaxy Ford 500 age seven and went to his house [421.7s] and got a signed photograph of Dan with the galaxy. And he forever more decided that one day [430.1s] when he retired, he was going to build this car, a replica of the Dan Gurney car. ... [474.1s] are you the man with the Ford Galaxy? He said, yes."

The Ford Galaxy is an older Ford from the 1960s. In this segment, they’re talking about a specific Galaxy that Dan Gurney raced, and why that car matters to the owner’s story.

Concept

replica

"And he forever more decided that one day [430.1s] when he retired, he was going to build this car, a replica of the Dan Gurney car. [436.0s] He did that from 2014 through to about 2021."

A replica is a car made to copy a famous older car. Here, Steve builds a replica of Dan Gurney’s car because it’s the one he’s always wanted to recreate.

Part

side exhaust

"I've done that. now got a side exhaust with that amazing white stuff. Yeah, you know, the heat, heat, you know, I don't know."

A side exhaust means the exhaust tips come out along the side of the car. It’s a common modification for looks and fitment when people customize their exhaust.

Part

ceramic coating

"Yeah, ceramic coating that was on sort of 30s is Ferrari, you know, that sort of 60s Ferrari spaghetti exhausty thing. Or, you know, you see them on this as a side exhaust in white on a white Galaxy."

Ceramic coating is a special heat-resistant coating. On exhaust parts, it helps keep the heat under control and can protect the metal from getting too hot.

Concept

hot rod

"And he is now building a. Look at that. A hot rod. Yeah. A hot rod in orange with orange leather."

A hot rod is a car that someone has modified to be more fun and more personal. It often means upgrades to the engine and a custom look.

Term

carburetors

"And at all sorts of things that I didn't really understand, which was an original hemi from 1953, and four separate carburetors, and all this rare stuff that's really amazing."

Carburetors are older-style parts that mix fuel with air for the engine. More carburetors usually means the engine can get fuel more precisely when you press the gas.

Term

Formula One

"...the big envelope is this announcement that possibly by 2030 or 31 we'll be going back to screaming V8s..."

Formula One is the highest level of open-wheel car racing. The rules affect what engines and technologies teams are allowed to use.

Concept

screaming V8s

"...possibly by 2030 or 31 we'll be going back to screaming V8s, which just makes me incredibly happy."

A “V8” is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. “Screaming” is just a way of saying it sounds really loud and exciting when it revs high.

Term

V8

"...possibly by 2030 or 31 we'll be going back to screaming V8s..."

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders. It’s known for a smooth, strong feel and a distinctive sound.

Concept

independent manufacturers

"...if the engines are simplified, considerably, we might get independent manufacturers back..."

“Independent manufacturers” are outside companies that make parts for racing, like engines. The idea here is that rule changes could let smaller specialists compete again.

Brand

Matra

"...the whole idea of a Jard or a Cosworth or a Matra, you know..."

Matra is a racing brand from France that has been involved in Formula One in the past. The speaker is using it as an example of specialist teams/engine builders.

Brand

Cosworth

"...the whole idea of a Jard or a Cosworth or a Matra, you know..."

Cosworth is a racing-engine company from the UK. In the past, it made engines for Formula One teams, and the speaker is hoping for a return of that kind of specialist.

Brand

Renault

"As Bernie always said, you had the big manufacturers like Renault and Ferrari and Alfa Romeo."

Renault is a big car brand that has been involved in Formula One. The speaker is using it as an example of a large manufacturer versus smaller engine builders.

Brand

Hewlin gearboxes

"...with their Ford Cosworth engines, their Hewlin gearboxes, their fantastic aerodynamics..."

This sounds like a gearbox maker mentioned in racing history. The point is that certain specialist companies supplied parts like gearboxes to teams.

Car

Escort Ford Cosworth

"...d they had all the little British ones with their Ford Cosworth engines, their Hewlin gearboxes, their fantastic ..."

The Escort is a compact car model from Ford. In racing, some Escorts were built with very strong engines and race gearboxes. The podcast mentions it because the speaker is describing the special racing versions and their parts.

Term

ECUs

"But actually, I could see in five years time, you had a relatively simple engine and a few common parts. ECUs, for example, today are all built by McLaren."

An ECU is basically a car computer. It helps control how the engine and other systems behave so everything runs correctly.

Brand

McLaren

"common parts. ECUs, for example, today are all built by McLaren. So you could buy yourself that some little complicated bit."

McLaren is a well-known racing and performance car brand. Here it’s mentioned as an example of a company that builds high-tech car electronics.

Car

SD1 Rover Sd1

"...atsworth house, I sort of think of Tony Pond in a Rover SD1 or Ari Vassen in a 205 T16, rather than culture a..."

The Rover SD1 is an older Rover car that was made for everyday driving, but it also shows up in motorsport stories. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because a racing driver is associated with it. The point is more about the car’s role in that context than about modern ownership.

Car

Aston Martin Valhalla

"On Saturday, I got to drive for a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon the Aston Martin Valhalla. I mean, extraordinary... Got very wide capability. It's quite comfy as a road car."

The Aston Martin Valhalla is a supercar from Aston Martin with a mid-engine layout. Here, they’re talking about how it feels extremely capable and fast, but still comfortable enough to drive on the road.

Topic

driving position and steering-wheel adjustment

"it's the only car I've sat in where I thought, do you know what, I actually need to move the steering wheel a little bit away from me. It's right there, which is really nice."

They’re talking about how the seat and steering wheel placement felt while driving. If the wheel is positioned just right, it can make the car easier to control and more comfortable.

Term

torque vectoring

"it's got, it's very clever the way it rotates and those differentials and the torque vectoring at the front."

Torque vectoring is a system that helps send power to the wheels in a smarter way while you’re turning. The goal is to make the car turn and grip better, especially in corners.

Term

differentials

"it's very clever the way it rotates and those differentials and the torque vectoring at the front."

A differential is a set of gears that lets wheels spin at different speeds, like when you turn. On a performance car, how the differentials work can change how the car grips and turns.

Term

bushed

"And, you know, is it rose jointed or is it bushed? And all this lovely nerdy stuff that we love."

“Bushed” means the car uses rubber-like inserts in the suspension or steering connections. That helps smooth things out, but it can make the steering feel a bit less immediate than a more rigid joint.

Term

rose jointed

"And, you know, is it rose jointed or is it bushed? And all this lovely nerdy stuff that we love."

A rose joint is a special type of joint used in car suspension or steering links. It lets parts move smoothly in different directions while keeping the handling more precise—something race cars care about.

Term

last inter for six hour race

"because you were doing the last inter for six hour race, and uttered the immortal words on the radio is like a little second last lap."

In endurance races, drivers don’t stay in the car the whole time. An “inter” is one of the driving stints, and the “last inter” is the final part before the race ends—when strategy is crucial.

Term

second last lap

"and uttered the immortal words on the radio is like a little second last lap. Yeah, we're fixed on position. There's nothing to gain. Just bring it home."

Near the end of a race, especially in endurance events, drivers often stop taking risks. “Second last lap” is basically the point where you’re thinking about finishing safely rather than gaining more position.

Term

steering arm

"And he turned in on me, did a steering arm. I tried to do half a lap with no steering. And realized I was going to write the car off, parked it up."

The steering arm is a linkage piece that helps turn the steering wheel’s input into the wheels actually turning. If it gets damaged, you can lose steering and the car can become undriveable.

Concept

hydroplane water-speed record attempt

"Bluebird rides again ... And yesterday, it rode again. ... can you imagine doing 100 miles an hour on water?"

A hydroplane is a special kind of speed boat that tries to ride on top of the water instead of pushing through it. Record runs are extremely risky because small mistakes at high speed can be catastrophic.

Car

Bluebird

"Bluebird rides again 59 and a bit years after Donald Campbell very sadly met his end. ... And it's been painstakingly rebuilt."

Bluebird is a legendary British speed boat that was built to set world records on water. The hosts are excited because the original wreck was found and rebuilt, and it’s now back running again.

Term

turbine

"It's been painstakingly rebuilt. It's literally turbine, the whole thing has been redone."

A turbine is an engine that makes power by using fast-moving hot gas to spin a rotor. It’s the kind of power source you’d use when you need a lot of sustained thrust.

Car

Toyota A90

"Yeah, the work that's gone into that. I mean, and can you imagine doing 100 miles an hour on water? No, it's a 90, I did 94 in one of those cigarette style Miami drug running boats. And the captain afterwards said, with this level of drag, if you want to go four knots faster,"

The Toyota Supra is a sports car made by Toyota. People like it because it’s built to be quick and fun to drive, and many owners modify them to make them even faster. It’s being mentioned because someone is talking about how much effort goes into making one perform well.

Term

drag

"the captain afterwards said, with this level of drag, if you want to go four knots faster, you have to add another 400 outboard"

Drag is the force that slows you down as you move through air or water. The faster you go, the harder it is to push through that resistance—so you may need a lot more power for a small gain.

Term

knots

"if you want to go four knots faster, you have to add another 400 outboard to the back"

A knot is a way to measure speed used for boats and planes. It means one nautical mile per hour.

Term

outboard

"you have to add another 400 outboard to the back ... That's why it had eight engines on the back."

An outboard is a boat engine that’s mounted on the back. Adding more outboards means adding more power to push the boat faster.

Car

Lancia Integrale

"I've done a few things this week in cars. It's been a good week. I've driven Bentley's and Integrale's and I've met lots of people."

The Lancia Integrale is a high-performance rally car from Lancia. Chris is just mentioning he drove one this week.

Term

Moto GP

"But on Sunday, which is not yesterday before, I went to the Moto GP for the first time in Le Mans."

MotoGP is the top level of motorcycle racing. Chris is saying he went to MotoGP at Le Mans for the first time.

Term

grid

"It's different to Formula One. To see them all, to see them arrive on the grid, to watch the bikes accelerate away and to watch all this racing."

The grid is where the racers line up at the start of the race. He’s describing watching the bikes line up and then launch.

Term

satellite KTM team

"We were with Tech Free, which is the satellite KTM team. They had a seventh place, which was quite extraordinary, really, given their struggling performance at times."

A satellite team is a smaller team that races with help from a bigger manufacturer. Chris is explaining Tech Free’s connection to KTM.

Company

Tech Free

"We were with Tech Free, which is the satellite KTM team. They had a seventh place, which was quite extraordinary, really, given their struggling performance at times."

Tech Free is a MotoGP racing team. Chris is saying they did surprisingly well even when they were struggling at times.

Term

crankshaft

"And this guy with white hair came up to us and said, if you see this, and he pulled out a crankshaft, a tiny crankshaft. And I thought, like Gunther, I said, that's for a model car."

A crankshaft is a key rotating part inside an engine. It helps turn the engine’s internal motion into the spinning motion that drives the bike or car.

Car

RC166

"Now, you have to see this. This is a replica of the RC166, which was a, wait for it, 250cc class Honda motorcycle from 1960s. And it had six cylinders."

RC166 is an old Honda race bike from the 1960s. Chris is talking about a replica that’s especially wild because it uses six cylinders in a 250cc class.

Term

250cc class

"This is a replica of the RC166, which was a, wait for it, 250cc class Honda motorcycle from 1960s. And it had six cylinders."

“250cc class” is a racing category based on engine size. It means the bike’s engine is around 250 cubic centimeters, and the RC166’s design was unusual for that size.

Term

six cylinders

"This is a replica of the RC166, which was a, wait for it, 250cc class Honda motorcycle from 1960s. And it had six cylinders."

“Six cylinders” means the engine has six working parts where fuel is burned. Chris is pointing out that the RC166 had six cylinders, which is a big deal for a small racing bike.

Term

bore

"It has a 41 millimeter bore. [2079.2s] Like an inch and a half."

Bore is how wide each cylinder is inside the engine. Bigger bore can help the engine breathe better and make more power, especially at higher revs.

Term

powertrain package

"And it has six exhaust pipes. There's the powertrain package."

A powertrain package is the complete set of components that make the vehicle move—typically the engine plus the drivetrain elements that transmit power to the wheels. In racing contexts, it often implies a highly integrated, purpose-built setup.

Term

tachometer

"It reps to 18,000 RPM with a tachometer that goes to 20."

A tachometer is the dashboard gauge that shows how fast the engine is revving. It helps you know when the engine is in its power band.

Term

RPM

"It reps to 18,000 RPM with a tachometer that goes to 20."

RPM means how many times the engine spins each minute. Higher RPM usually means the engine is designed to rev harder.

Brand

panigale

"He said, particularly, he's an example of Spanish riders. He said, they'll go most days, they'll have a panigale and go to a track day and just keep riding."

Panigale is a Ducati motorcycle model line. The point is that riders may use bikes like this for track days just to keep practicing.

Concept

track day

"He said, they'll go most days, they'll have a panigale and go to a track day and just keep riding."

A track day is when people take their own cars or bikes to a closed race track to practice. It’s a low-pressure way to get better and learn the circuit.

Term

600 cc

"But if they can't do that, they use go-kart tracks and they're limited to 600 cc bikes."

“600 cc” is a measure of engine size. Smaller displacement limits how much power the bike can make, so it helps level the playing field.

Concept

saddle time

"they use go-kart tracks and they're limited to 600 cc bikes. [2214.9s] They just go almost every day just to get saddle time."

Saddle time is the amount of time a rider spends on the bike. More saddle time improves familiarity with controls, braking points, and how the bike behaves—especially important for refining technique.

Term

qualifying

"which is why when Marquez had a crash on Saturday during qualifying, we didn't get to see Mark"

Qualifying is the timed session before the main race. Your speed there decides where you start on the grid for the race.

Term

teething troubles

"I'm sure there'll be some teething troubles and there'll be some friction. But it's too good to"

“Teething troubles” means the early hiccups you get when something is new or changing. It’s the stuff that goes wrong at first before it settles down.

Topic

Great British Jaguar Day

"Okay. It's the great British Jaguar Day suit. This goes out on a Friday."

This is an event for Jaguar fans. They’re talking about a big Jaguar gathering in the UK.

Car

Jaguar XJR15

"By the stage we'll start up the XJR15, which will just stop the planet going around. It's so bloody, gloriously loud."

The Jaguar XJR15 is a very serious, track-oriented Jaguar. The hosts are basically saying it’s one of the big “wow” cars at the event—so loud and special you notice it immediately.

Car

Jaguar CX-75

"Ian Callum, the designer will be there with the CX-75. Lovely. That James Bond car from Spectre."

The Jaguar CX-75 is a Jaguar concept car—basically a showpiece that previews what the brand might build next. In this episode, it’s mentioned as a key “future Jaguar” talking point.

Car

Jaguar XJR14

"David Brabham will be there with the XJR14. The car he's just driving is the greatest racing car he's ever driven."

The Jaguar XJR14 is a Jaguar race car. The segment is treating it like a legendary machine—something a top driver considers among the best he’s driven.

Car

Type 00

"...inary Jaguars, Jaguar themselves will bring their Type 00 prototype and they'll be talking about what that ..."

The Jaguar Type 00 is a prototype car, meaning it’s not a normal production model you’d just buy. Jaguar is bringing it to an event to talk about it. The podcast is mentioning it because it’s an important example of what Jaguar is working on.

Car

Jaguar Type 00

"In the hangar, the main display, 70 odd of the most extraordinary Jaguars, Jaguar themselves will bring their Type 00 prototype and they'll be talking about what that is and why they've done it."

The Jaguar Type 00 is a Jaguar prototype car. It’s being shown so people can learn what it is and what Jaguar is trying to prove with it.

Car

Jaguar XJR

"I loved that car. I did. All's actually. XJR, that was a great car. Although it did detonate going up the hill out of the village after it had just been serviced by Jaguar,"

The Jaguar XJR is a fast, performance-focused Jaguar sedan. Here, the host talks about loving it, then having a scary breakdown after it was serviced.

Term

run out of oil

"I totally detonated it. It ran out of oil, but it didn't tell me it had run out of oil and then it broke."

If a car “runs out of oil,” the engine isn’t getting lubrication. That can cause serious damage fast because the oil also helps keep the engine cool.

Car

Jaguar XK120

"And I would choose, for me, even though I don't really fit in them, which is such a dilemma, an XK120 battered paint, but mechanically super sorted by Guy Broad with a bit of period racing history, on spats, on steels with original interior,"

The Jaguar XK120 is a famous old Jaguar sports car from the early days of modern performance. Here, the host is talking about a specific XK120 that’s been set up to drive well, with racing-style touches.

Car

Jaguar D-Type

"and a bit scratchy shagged, but just, you know, in period racing add-ons, you know, I never really understand these things, but a D-type head and, you know, a limited slip, slip, blah, blah, blah."

The Jaguar D-Type is a famous Jaguar race car, especially known for Le Mans. Here, the host is saying the XK120 has a “D-type head,” meaning it’s been modified with parts inspired by that racing car.

Term

limited slip

"and a bit scratchy shagged, but just, you know, in period racing add-ons, you know, I never really understand these things, but a D-type head and, you know, a limited slip, slip, blah, blah, blah."

A limited-slip differential helps the car put power down better when one wheel starts to slip. It’s a traction aid that makes the car feel more controlled, especially on tricky surfaces.

Car

Jaguar XJS Cabriolet

"Manage what Jaguar you choose to turn up in. Well, I'm turning up in something that's down close to this, but I think I'd go for the 96 XJS Cabriolet, the one with a four-litre straight six engine, that for me, navy blue, navy blue, linen."

The Jaguar XJS Cabriolet is an open-top version of the XJS, meant for comfortable cruising. Here, the host highlights the four-liter straight-six engine and a classic color-and-interior combo.

Term

driveshafts

"And the way that you, from the rear, you can see the driveshafts moving and I'm just, just stunning."

A driveshaft is a spinning part that sends power from the gearbox to the rear wheels. The host is basically saying you can see that moving when you look at the car from behind, which makes the car feel more mechanical and alive.

Car

Jaguar E-Type

"And in the car park there was a Series 1 E-Type with the most fabulous story... The car lived in Uganda... And I think ultimately got rid of Idi Amin... Anyhow, this has still got the AA Africa sticker on the back of it... With a, with a, it's a dark sort of metallic grey with a, with a, again, the Bordeaux Hive which we now know works so perfectly with that car."

The Jaguar E-Type is a legendary old British sports car. People love it not just for how it looks, but also for the stories and history behind specific cars. This episode is especially about a Series 1 E-Type and why its background makes it feel special.

Term

flat floor

"And I think a series one, maybe, I know flat floor is a phrase that's overused, but I just, I think the earlier they are, the more vulnerable they look."

“Flat floor” here is about the shape of the car’s underside. Car people sometimes use it as a quick label for early E-Types, but the host is saying it’s not always the best or most accurate way to describe the differences. It’s more about how the car looks than a simple one-size-fits-all fact.

Car

Jaguar Mark 10

"And so William Lyons daily driver, his Mark 10 will be there. It's got a beautiful sort of partition in the middle of the car."

The Jaguar Mark 10 is a classic Jaguar “big saloon” used for comfort and status. The host is pointing out that this one had a divider/partition so the back seat could be more private from the driver.

Term

pedal box

"And I did. I think it's got a slightly different pedal box, which sort of helps."

The “pedal box” is where the pedals are mounted under the dashboard. If it’s positioned a bit differently, it can make the car much easier—or harder—to drive comfortably.

Car

Daimler Super V8

"I'm going to be arriving in her late majesties, Daimler Super V8. Oh, that is, that is her majesty. He's obviously her because her hatch is only just above the rim of the steering wheel"

The Daimler Super V8 is a big, luxury car. The host is talking about the specific “Her Majesty” example and how the seating/driver area is set up so the steering wheel and roofline relate in a very particular way.

Car

Mclaren MP4-12C

"...d and long. And the answer for me was the McLaren MP412C. Maybe controversial, but I think I was very much..."

The McLaren MP4-12C is a high-performance supercar. It’s built for very fast driving and advanced engineering. The podcast mentions it because the speaker is choosing it over other options.

Term

software related

"So the problem seemed mainly to be software related with issues, including warning lights flashing, flashing on and battery"

“Software related” means the car’s computer systems were the cause, not a broken mechanical part. In this case, the symptoms show up through warning lights and electronic glitches.

Term

warning lights flashing

"So the problem seemed mainly to be software related with issues, including warning lights flashing, flashing on and battery"

“Warning lights flashing” means the dashboard lights keep coming on and blinking. Usually that indicates the car has detected a problem somewhere in its systems.

Car

Ineos Grenadier

"Because the only car really ever publicly criticised is the Ineos Grenadier... even though someone forgot to put a dashboard in and you need one leg and all of that shit."

The Ineos Grenadier is a tough off-road SUV. The host is saying it gets a ton of criticism online, and he’s even feeling a bit bad for it despite finding it ugly up front.

Term

V8 normally aspirated

"I was reading Evo on the plane and Richard Meadon's lovely little story about [3529.1s] V8 normally aspirated cars of the mid 2000s. And it got me all excited about that RS4."

“Normally aspirated” means the engine isn’t using a turbo or supercharger to force air in. So a “V8 normally aspirated” is an eight-cylinder engine that breathes naturally, which many enthusiasts like for how it feels and sounds.

Car

Audi RS6

"I'm like, actually, maybe that's because I haven't had one and I had the RS6 and they're really shit because they're made of wood."

The Audi RS6 is a super-fast, high-performance Audi. Here, the host is saying he hasn’t liked the RS6 based on his experience with it.

Car

Audi RS4

"shit because they're made of wood. But maybe the RS4 isn't. Maybe it's really good. You guys all talk about that car, don't you?"

The Audi RS4 is a faster, sportier Audi model. In this part of the conversation, they’re debating whether the RS4 is actually good compared to the RS6.

Concept

unpopular opinion

"And Joe Wiley said, out of nowhere, this is an unpopular opinion, but I don't like 60s music. Beatles not for me."

An “unpopular opinion” is just a way of saying, “I know most people disagree with me, but here’s what I think.” The host uses it to introduce his contrarian car take.

Car

Volkswagen Beetle

"And under that heading, my answer is the VW Beetle. I just don't like it. I know everybody does. It's lovable."

The VW Beetle is a famous Volkswagen that’s been around for decades and is known for being simple and popular. A lot of people love it, but the host is saying it just doesn’t click for him.

Car

defender

"And it's the, it's the defender. I just don't, that's yours. I just don't, I don't get it. And they went, oh, look, it's a defender."

The Defender is a tough-looking Land Rover that’s meant for serious off-road use. Here, the host is saying he doesn’t understand why people spend so much on it and that he finds it uncomfortable.

Term

damping

"In it's got a bit, a bit lazier and everything I feel, all the, all the damping and bushing of everything from the gearbox suspension feels like it's got bigger bits of rubber in it."

Damping is what makes the suspension stop bouncing. If it’s tuned softer, the car feels a bit floaty; if it’s tuned firmer, it feels more controlled.

Term

bushing

"In it's got a bit, a bit lazier and everything I feel, all the, all the damping and bushing of everything from the gearbox suspension feels like it's got bigger bits of rubber in it."

Bushings are rubber pads that help connect parts of the suspension. If they’re soft or worn out, the car can feel less precise and more wobbly.

Car

Ferrari 550

"But in 2000, I don't know, two, was it, two or three, Ferrari announced a replacement for the 550 called the 575 Marinello. No, five, just called the 575, wasn't it?"

The Ferrari 550 is a classic Ferrari V12 grand tourer—big, fast, and known for its dramatic sound. In the story, it’s the earlier car Harris had experience with before the newer one.

Car

Ferrari 575

"Ferrari announced a replacement for the 550 called the 575 Marinello... And I remember driving one... they went down a road in a 575, and in Wales, and within a minute, it nearly tore its sump off."

The Ferrari 575 is a V12 Ferrari grand tourer. Even though it sounds amazing and looks great, Harris says it felt poorly controlled on rough roads and nearly scraped or damaged the bottom of the car.

Car

BMW 550S

"... remember driving one, and I'd driven a couple of 550s, but I never had to write about them. And I've gi..."

The BMW 5 Series is a comfortable, mid-size luxury car. The podcast mentions the “550” versions, which are the stronger, more powerful versions of that model line. It’s being referenced because the speaker remembers driving them and is talking about how they felt.

Term

sump

"they went down a road in a 575, and in Wales, and within a minute, it nearly tore its sump off. And I gouged all the underside of the front of the car down"

The sump is the oil pan under the engine. If you hit the ground hard enough, you can damage it—so Harris is describing a serious underbody scrape risk.

Term

undergusset

"This Ferrari decided to try and rip its undergusset off at every particular moment. The steering wasn't very good. It was lazy and wobbly."

He’s talking about something on the bottom of the car—like a protective panel—that can get scraped or ripped off if you hit rough ground.

Car

Ferrari

"I think you answered it. Is a Ferrari or the Italians, they're the most pressurizing of a PR functions."

Ferrari is a famous Italian car brand that makes high-performance sports cars. The hosts are using it as an example of how some brands handle publicity and opinions about their cars.

Term

chassis

"if they think you're going to criticize the chassis, for example, and I've had this before, that they'll know that they've got a car that's a bit too stiff for a UK road."

The chassis is basically the car’s main frame. It’s what everything else mounts to, so if someone criticizes it, they’re talking about how the car’s structure affects how it drives.

Term

stiff

"that they'll know that they've got a car that's a bit too stiff for a UK road."

“Too stiff” usually means the car doesn’t absorb bumps very well, so it can feel harsh on rough roads. The speaker is saying the suspension setup can make the ride feel uncomfortable.

Term

suspension

"So they'll roll out the bloke that did the suspension or someone for the suspension. And they'll talk about their family..."

Suspension is what connects the wheels to the car and helps smooth out bumps. If a car feels too stiff, it’s often because the suspension is tuned that way.

Car

Buick Verano

"...e whole thing just works and you get hustled into Verano in the morning and you've got briefings and it's ..."

The Buick Verano is a regular, everyday kind of sedan. It’s meant to be comfortable for commuting and daily errands. The podcast mentions it because it’s the car being used for morning briefings and travel.

Brand

Alfa Romeo

"but so what would happen is you'd be in Verano doing something [4208.5s] and an Alfa Romeo with a dent on every corner where it would literally screech up and stop..."

Alfa Romeo is an Italian car brand. In this story, it’s just the car that shows up during the visit.

Car

Ferrari California

"and he'll say, so I want to talk to you about what you wrote about the California and you'll go, [4239.7s] you know, I didn't think it was that good..."

The Ferrari California is a specific Ferrari model. It’s the kind of Ferrari you can drive more like a normal car, but it’s still very fast and expensive.

Concept

ultimate confidence

"this is about ultimate confidence. So the more people prevarigate or car companies obfuscate or put people in front of you, actually the less confident they are."

The host is talking about confidence as a strategy. If a team is truly sure of itself, it doesn’t need to over-explain or put on a big show—it just shows up prepared.

Concept

two car garage

"We're going to do a two car garage now... each of you has to fill your two car garage with a car to convert to a race car"

A “two car garage” means you’re only allowed to bring and prepare two cars for the event. The idea is to force smart choices—what you convert into race cars and what support you bring.

Topic

Nürburgring 24 hour weekend

"It's Nürburgring 24 hour weekend. It is next weekend. And you and your mates are feeling inspired and want to give and go a bit of endurance racing."

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is a long endurance race held at the Nürburgring track. The hosts’ scenario is basically: you and your friends want to do endurance racing, so you have to bring the right cars and support setup.

Concept

endurance racing

"want to give and go a bit of endurance racing. The four of you have decided to enter as a team, taking turns racing across 12 hours with each getting a total of three hours of driving."

Endurance racing is when the race lasts a long time, not just a sprint. Because it’s so long, teams focus on keeping the car running well and managing driver changes and stops.

Concept

tow rig

"...and also a tow rig that could bring all"

A tow rig is basically a tow vehicle for your race car. If something goes wrong and the car can’t drive, the tow rig helps you move it so the team can keep going.

Concept

convert to a race car

"each of you has to fill your two car garage with a car to convert to a race car that will keep you all competitive as a team"

“Convert to a race car” means turning a normal car into one that’s suitable for racing. That often involves safety gear and setup changes so it can handle long, hard driving.

Car

Porsche GT3 RSR 997 RSR

"And the one I couldn't walk past was a 1997 Porsche GT3 RSR 997 RSR. You can buy an RSR on car and classic."

This is a Porsche 911 made specifically for racing. The “RSR” version is built for track events, with changes that help it handle better and stay stable over long races.

Car

911 Porsche Gt3

"...mega. And the one I couldn't walk past was a 1997 Porsche GT3 RSR 997 RSR. You can buy an RSR on car and classi..."

This Porsche 911 is a special race version from 1997 called the GT3 RSR. It’s built for track racing, not for everyday commuting. The podcast mentions it because it stood out as an impressive, collectible car.

Car

Lamborghini F1 race transporter

"And it came up with an ex Lamborghini F1 race transporter from the early 1990s, which is the most mega looking thing."

This is a special truck used by racing teams to haul cars and gear to events. The “F1 transporter” idea is that it’s built for the big, professional logistics of Formula 1.

Term

sniffer dog test

"But do you think that would pass the sniffer dog test in terms of substances that particular truck?"

That phrase is slang for a real inspection where a trained dog checks for drugs or other banned items. The joke is that the transporter wouldn’t be allowed if it failed that kind of check.

Car

Plaxton Panorama race transporter

"But what I did find was the next best thing, which is the Plaxton Panorama race transporter with seats at the front and space for our RSR at the back."

Plaxton Panorama is a type of coach/truck body. Here it’s being imagined as a race transporter—basically a vehicle that can carry people up front and fit a race car in the back.

Car

Honda S500

"there were several VW combi vans. There was an original mini. There was the bloat that used to arrive in his five. He had a 500 s 500 s lc. Yes, hard top automatic used to turn up do the race and drive home again. He was well then he did the Silverstone 24 hours one year. So there were a lot"

The Honda S500 is a small sports car made by Honda. It’s the kind of car that’s lightweight and fun, and it shows up in stories about racing and driving. The podcast mentions it as one of the classic small cars in the lineup.

Car

BMW M3 touring

"But that the majesty of silliness was reinvented again this year by BMW. You might [4625.1s] see BMW has entered of M3 touring this year and we'll put a photo of it up now. [4631.5s] This looks with a wing on the back of it that you wouldn't bloody believe."

The BMW M3 touring is a BMW M3 that’s shaped like a wagon instead of a sedan. Here, the host points out it’s being used in a race in a very over-the-top way, with a huge wing.

Car

Rolls Royce Phantom

"So for me, I'm buying a phantom. I'm going to turn [4668.1s] it into a race car. That is about three tons will fit great triple seven and we will we'll [4675.5s] come somewhere because we'll just roll around and we'll come somewhere."

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a very large, very luxurious car. The host is joking about using one for racing, which is unusual because it’s not the kind of car you’d normally expect to see on a track.

Car

Porsche Cayenne

"I learned again way too late was they put the Cayenne V8 diesel [4695.5s] in the Bentayga for a year."

The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV. The host is saying that, for a short time, the Bentayga used a V8 diesel engine that originally came from the Cayenne.

Car

Ford Mustang

"... airport? So I'm currently schlepping around in a Mustang. And in America, it's perfect. It is just the bes..."

The Ford Mustang is a popular American sports car. It’s known for being fun to drive and for its powerful engines. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because the speaker says it works really well for their day-to-day driving in America.

Car

Ford Gt

"I'm going to race a Ford GT because it's on car and classic. And let's be honest, that's just awesome, isn't it?"

The Ford GT is a special, track-inspired supercar from Ford. Here, they’re talking about bringing one to a car event because it’s genuinely exciting.

Term

Group 3

"I actually found a group three GT Datamaso Pantera. I look at that with the gold wheels."

“Group 3” is a racing category from the past that determined what race cars were allowed to be like. Saying a car is “Group 3” usually means it was built or modified to compete, not just to look good.

Car

De Tomaso Pantera

"I actually found a group three GT Datamaso Pantera. I look at that with the gold wheels. This is actually been completely rebuilt to 1971 car costs double the next Pantera on car and classics been fully restored. It's in France. It's got the 351 Cleveland engine and 5.8 liters 350 horsepower"

The De Tomaso Pantera is a famous old Italian sports car with a big V8. This one is described as a special “Group 3” race version that’s been rebuilt and restored, with a big 5.8-liter V8 engine.

Part

351 Cleveland engine

"It's in France. It's got the 351 Cleveland engine and 5.8 liters 350 horsepower 250,000 euros."

The “351 Cleveland” is a big Ford V8 engine. Here, they’re saying this Pantera has that engine in it, which is a big part of why it’s such a serious, high-power build.

Term

right hand drive

"993 GT2, right hand drive, C16. You know, why would you ever sell one"

Right-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Some buyers prefer it because it matches how they’re used to driving in their country.

Term

left hand drive

"Actually, I selected two. This is the one I want. It's the left hand drive. So I'm going to spa. So I want a left hand drive one."

Left-hand drive means the driver’s seat is on the left side of the car. He’s saying he wants that layout for the car he’d buy.

Car

Bentayga

"But I think that I think they're really good. It's the same in the Bentayga that I've not seen in two months. Does the Bentayga still exist, by the way, guys? Yes. Who's got the Bentayga? Manish has converted it."

The Bentley Bentayga is Bentley’s luxury SUV, and the hosts discuss whether it still exists and how someone has “converted it” to make it quicker. That implies aftermarket or modification work to improve performance beyond stock.

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