Where does a Sportscar end and a Supercar start? | The Car Podcast #57
About this episode
A lively debate unfolds around the distinctions between sports cars, supercars, and hypercars, with hosts Chris Harris and friends sharing personal anecdotes and insights. They explore the evolving definitions of these categories, touching on performance metrics, aesthetics, and emotional impact. The conversation also highlights recent automotive events, including the Bista Scramble and a charity track day with Sir Chris Hoy. Listeners are treated to humorous exchanges and reflections on the joy of driving, making this episode a rich blend of automotive passion and camaraderie.
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This week, the team have been busy! Whether it was Sir Chris Hoy’s track day, Bicester Scramble or other car events – we’ve got much to catch up on. Chris also tells us more about his ‘new’ creations in his Lancia Integrale and BMW E61 M5 Touring. This, and much more. We hope you enjoy!
(00:00) Intro
(00:06) What have we done in cars this week?
(19:35) Draw the line where the supercar starts and the sports ends
(39:00) F1
(55:36) “Brute in a Suit”!
(1:04:45) 2CG by Car & Classic
(1:14:15) Music
Tour de Four Track Day Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tour-de-4-track-day?attribution_id=sl:a4738b18-4d4b-46c0-bbd0-13ee7a67805b&lang=en_GB&ts=1755158654&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
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Peugeot 205 XS
"...I was still looking for the keys to my 205XS, which I just bought. And I couldn't find them."
The Peugeot 205 XS is a small car that was made in the 1980s and 1990s. It's known for being fun to drive and is popular among people who like sporty cars.
The Peugeot 205 XS is a sporty variant of the popular Peugeot 205 hatchback, known for its agile handling and compact size. It was produced during the 1980s and 1990s and is often celebrated among car enthusiasts for its fun driving experience.
Mclaren F1
"...e and there's an AX GT could be parked next to a McLaren F1 and everyone is appreciating each other's cars."
The McLaren F1 is a really famous sports car from the 1990s that many people admire for its speed and unique design. It has a special seat in the middle, which makes it different from most cars.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar produced in the 1990s, known for its innovative design and engineering. It features a central driving position and a lightweight carbon fiber structure, making it one of the fastest and most desirable cars in automotive history.
Ferrari 250 GTO
"...that in the furthest corner of the last field of the parking would be a 250 GTO. Just because that was the only place that it could park when it turned up."
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a famous sports car from the 1960s that many collectors want to own. It's known for being very fast and beautiful, making it one of the most expensive cars ever.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a highly sought-after classic sports car produced in the early 1960s, known for its exceptional performance and limited production numbers. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and valuable cars in automotive history.
Audi A4
"...I got to take my lovely Audi A4 Avant to university. I took my son to university in a car..."
The Audi A4 Avant is a type of car that looks like a sedan but has a longer body for more storage space in the back. It's a good option for people who want a nice car that can carry more things.
The Audi A4 Avant is a station wagon variant of the Audi A4, known for its practicality and sporty performance. It combines luxury features with ample cargo space, making it a popular choice for families and individuals who need versatility in their vehicle.
track day
"And he had a track day at Croft on Friday. Chris, you were there doing sterling surface, driving lots of customers around at the track day in lots of nice cars."
A track day is when people can take their cars to a racetrack and drive them fast. It's a fun way to see how well your car performs in a safe place.
A track day is an event where car enthusiasts can drive their vehicles on a racetrack, often in a controlled environment. Participants can experience the performance of their cars without the restrictions of public roads.
Toyota 40 Series Land Cruiser
"...I took him out in that 40 to our rest. So Miles Newhouse, who's a legend, who owns that 40 to our rest."
The Toyota 40 Series Land Cruiser is an older model of a tough and reliable SUV that people love for off-roading. It's known for being able to handle rough terrains and has a strong following among car fans.
The Toyota 40 Series Land Cruiser is a classic off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and reliability. Produced from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, it has become a beloved model among enthusiasts and collectors.
Cup 2 tires
"...the old cup twos don't move the water. They have four mil in the tread depth. So she was moving around a bit at times."
Cup 2 tires are special tires made for racing and high-performance driving. They help cars grip the road better, especially when going fast or around corners.
Cup 2 tires, specifically the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, are high-performance tires designed for track use, offering exceptional grip and handling. They are often used in motorsport and by enthusiasts for their performance characteristics.
BMW M5
"...So the M5 Touring, if you want to look on Instagram, you'll see that we took that there. It's different. It's a green color now and it's got the interior done."
The BMW M5 Touring is a fast and luxurious station wagon that offers a lot of space and comfort. It's designed for people who want a sporty car but also need room for family or luggage.
The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, designed for those who want both luxury and sportiness in a wagon format. It combines powerful engine performance with practical cargo space, making it a unique offering in the luxury car market.
BMW M3
"These small businesses, like everything M3 or everything M and GP Customs Classics, they take big risks doing this shit."
The BMW M3 is a faster and sportier version of the regular BMW 3 Series. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it great for driving enthusiasts.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It's a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its blend of performance and everyday usability.
BMW M2Cs
"...the pride in what they've created. It's like, and they're in amongst, the M2 CS is being launched next to their car."
The BMW M2 CS is a sportier version of the M2, made for people who love fast cars. It has a stronger engine and better handling, making it fun to drive on both the road and the racetrack.
The BMW M2 CS is a high-performance variant of the M2, designed for enthusiasts who seek a balance of daily drivability and track capability. It features a more powerful engine and enhanced handling characteristics compared to the standard M2.
horsepower
"...in the 80s, we would have said, okay, let's draw it at horsepower. Anything that's over 400 or 350 or anything that,..."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to quantify the power output of an engine. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, and is a key factor in determining a vehicle's performance.
0-60 time
"...or anything that, you know, 0-60 was always the measure, almost, of the peak. First it was, what, six seconds?..."
0-60 time shows how quickly a car can go from stopped to going fast. It's a way to see how fast a car can accelerate.
0-60 time measures how long it takes a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
Porsche 930 Turbo
"or the Porsche Turbo 930 has broken the six-second. And then suddenly four seconds came in, didn't it?"
The Porsche 930 Turbo is a fast sports car from the 1970s and 1980s. It's famous for having a turbocharger, which helps it go really fast.
The Porsche 930 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the Porsche 911, produced from 1975 to 1989. It is known for its turbocharged engine and distinctive styling, making it a classic in the sports car world.
Ferrari F40
"Where was that? Sort of F40 maybe, 959. And then now it's three seconds and ..."
Porsche 959
"Sort of F40 maybe, 959. And then now it's three seconds and a fucking career"
The Porsche 959 is a very fast car made in the late 1980s. It's known for having advanced features like all-wheel drive, which helps it grip the road better.
The Porsche 959 is a high-performance sports car produced in the late 1980s. It was one of the fastest production cars of its time and featured advanced technology, including all-wheel drive and a twin-turbocharged engine.
EV
"Well, surely the EV exploded that."
EV means Electric Vehicle. These cars run on electricity instead of gas, making them better for the environment.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have instant torque for quick acceleration.
Aston Martin Vantage
"But as Aston Martin Vantage, is that a supercar? I don't think it is, is it?"
The Aston Martin Vantage is a fancy sports car that is known for being fast and stylish. It's a model that many car enthusiasts admire.
The Aston Martin Vantage is a luxury sports car known for its performance and design. It has been a significant model for Aston Martin, often associated with high performance and exclusivity.
Aston Martin DB12
"No, DB12, DB12 maybe just gets in there, I think vanquish maybe is."
The Aston Martin DB12 is a high-end luxury car that is part of a long line of famous Aston Martin models. It's designed for both speed and comfort.
The Aston Martin DB12 is a luxury grand tourer that represents the latest in Aston Martin's DB lineage. It combines performance with elegance and advanced technology.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"I think vanquish maybe is."
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a powerful sports car that many people consider to be a supercar because of its speed and luxury.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a high-performance sports car that is often considered a supercar due to its powerful engine and luxurious features.
Jaguar Xjs
"with Ian Elgarvey on a Sunday night. Jaguar XJS. It was, you know, it was accessible."
The Jaguar XJ-S is a classy car that people enjoy for its smooth ride and beautiful looks. It's a bit older, but many fans still love it.
The Jaguar XJ-S is a luxury grand tourer that was produced from 1975 to 1996, known for its elegant design and comfortable ride. It has a strong following among classic car enthusiasts.
Lotus Esprit
"Spire Love Me, James Bond, Barbara Bach, Esprit as a fucking submarine, totally inaccessible. It..."
The Lotus Esprit is a cool sports car from Britain that many people remember from James Bond movies. It's known for being fast and having a unique shape.
The Lotus Esprit is a British sports car that gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s for its sleek design and agile handling. It became particularly well-known after appearing in several James Bond films.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
"Is a V8 Vantage a supercar?"
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a stylish sports car that offers good performance but is not classified as a supercar like the Valkyrie.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a sports car that combines luxury with performance, but it is generally considered less extreme than supercars or hypercars.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"That was the first time. 300 SL. So I think that the Mura was the first time"
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible car that looks very stylish and is great for driving. It's known for having a roof that can open up, making it fun to drive in nice weather.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster that has been a symbol of elegance and performance since its introduction in the 1950s. Known for its retractable hardtop and powerful engines, it appeals to those seeking both style and driving pleasure.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
"Now 300 SL, there are probably other cars that do that."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a famous sports car from the 1950s, recognized for its unique doors that open upwards and its powerful performance, making it a symbol of luxury and speed.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a classic sports car known for its distinctive gullwing doors and advanced engineering for its time, often regarded as one of the most iconic cars in automotive history.
0 to 60 time
"...5.7 seconds to 0 to 60 is not particularly remarkable. But oddly, I think Mr. Cooper kind of has it."
0 to 60 time shows how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quickly a car can speed up.
0 to 60 time measures how quickly a car can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
BMW F12
"...ch were in any objective term, something like an F12 probably is a supercar. But is it a supercar if ..."
The BMW 6 Series is a stylish and comfortable car that's fun to drive. It's designed for people who want a mix of luxury and performance.
The BMW 6 Series is a luxury grand tourer that combines sporty performance with elegant design. It has been praised for its driving dynamics and high-quality interior.
Ferrari LaFerrari
"...car if you line it next to, you put it next to a LaFerrari? In any objective sense, it's funny this hyperca..."
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a super-fast sports car that uses both a regular engine and electric power to go really fast. It's very rare and many people dream of owning one.
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a hybrid supercar that represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering and design. With its stunning performance and limited production, it has become a highly sought-after collector's item.
hypercar
"...it's funny this hypercar thing. I don't know, I just view it as a bit of a..."
A hypercar is an even more advanced and faster version of a supercar. These cars have the latest technology and are built to be the best of the best.
A hypercar is a term used to describe the most advanced and highest-performing supercars, often featuring cutting-edge technology and extreme performance capabilities. Hypercars typically exceed the performance of traditional supercars.
Ferrari Portofino
"... but the photo he had above it was a profile of a Portofino. And I thought that is not a supercar."
The Ferrari Portofino is a fancy convertible sports car that's fun to drive and looks beautiful. It's designed to be comfortable for everyday use while still being very fast.
The Ferrari Portofino is a luxury convertible that combines performance with everyday usability. It features a powerful V8 engine and elegant styling, making it a popular choice among those seeking a high-end sports car.
Lamborghini Countach
"I mean, Aote, Kuntas today is still a supercar. That's not down to its performance."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous sports car that looks very unique and is known for being very fast. It was made a long time ago but is still considered a supercar today because of its design and performance.
The Lamborghini Countach is a classic supercar known for its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors. Produced from the early 1970s to the early 1990s, it became an icon of automotive design and performance, often associated with the supercar movement.
Volkswagen Golf
"...se someone like Volkswagen would pay to have the Golf BB or something in there. They pay like, you go,..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that's popular because it's easy to drive and very useful for everyday needs. It's been around for a long time and many people trust it to be reliable.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been in production since the 1970s and is known for its practicality and versatility. It has a strong reputation for reliability and has become one of the best-selling cars in the world.
Porsche 911
"So first things first, no Porsche 911 is a supercar. Take it."
The Porsche 911 is a well-known sports car that many people love because it looks great and drives really well. It's been around for a long time and is famous for being fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car that has been in production since the 1960s, known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It combines performance with everyday usability, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
sports car
"It's a sports car. It just isn't. It's a sports car."
A sports car is a type of car that is built for speed and fun to drive. They are usually smaller and faster than regular cars.
A sports car is designed for high speed and agility, often characterized by a low body, powerful engine, and responsive handling. The Porsche 911 is classified as a sports car due to its performance attributes.
Lamborghini Miura
"Superb now is that you know, the reason why Miura or Kuntas or Diablo is supercars, you might not ..."
The Lamborghini Miura is a very famous sports car that many people consider the first supercar ever made. It's known for its amazing looks and speed.
The Lamborghini Miura is often regarded as the world's first supercar, produced from 1966 to 1973. Its mid-engine layout and stunning design set the standard for high-performance sports cars.
Porsche 928
"But then I had a poster of a 928. And that's not a supercar, is it?"
The Porsche 928 is a stylish sports car that was made by Porsche. It has a powerful engine and is designed for both speed and comfort, making it a unique choice among sports cars.
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It was designed as a grand tourer, combining performance with comfort, and is known for its distinctive styling and V8 engine.
Lamborghini Gallardo
"Okay, here we go. Lamborghini Gallardo. Sports car."
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a flashy sports car that's known for being very fast and having a bold design. It's a favorite among car lovers who want something exciting.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a high-performance sports car that was produced from 2003 to 2013. Known for its aggressive styling and powerful V10 engine, it helped establish Lamborghini as a major player in the supercar market.
Toyota 2000 Gt
"Okay. Toyota 2000 GT. Sports car."
The Toyota 2000GT is a really cool sports car from the 1960s that many people think looks amazing. It's rare and highly valued by collectors.
The Toyota 2000GT is a classic sports car produced in the late 1960s, known for its stunning design and limited production. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made and has a strong following among collectors.
Lamborghini Espada
"...Lamborghini. Lamborghini Espada. Sports car."
The Lamborghini Espada is a type of sports car that can seat four people. It was made by Lamborghini and is famous for its stylish look and strong engine.
The Lamborghini Espada is a four-seat grand tourer produced by Lamborghini from 1968 to 1978. It is known for its distinctive design and powerful V12 engine, making it a unique offering in the sports car market.
Alfa Romeo Montreal
"...OK, I'll give you one more. Alfa Romeo Montreal."
The Alfa Romeo Montreal is a classic sports car made by Alfa Romeo. It has a unique look and was known for having a powerful engine, which made it special when it was first released.
The Alfa Romeo Montreal is a sports car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1970 to 1977. It is known for its distinctive design and was powered by a V8 engine, making it a unique offering in its time.
Monaco of the East
"The thing about Singapore is it always styled itself as kind of the monocoque of the East. And the problem is with these massive cars, if they don't overtake kind of immediately..."
The 'Monaco of the East' is a nickname for the Singapore Grand Prix, which is a fancy race that takes place at night in the city, just like the famous Monaco race. It’s known for being exciting but can sometimes be a bit boring if there aren’t many overtakes.
The term 'Monaco of the East' refers to the Singapore Grand Prix, which is known for its glamorous setting and night race format, similar to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. Both races are held on city streets and feature tight corners and limited overtaking opportunities.
Ford Excursion
"...our of us and you both agree that Lando's little excursion was actually a nothing thing."
The Ford Excursion is a really big SUV that can carry a lot of people and things. It's great for families who need extra space.
The Ford Excursion is a large SUV that was produced from 2000 to 2005, known for its massive size and towing capacity. It was designed for families needing ample space and capability.
Fiat 500e
"... next to him. I thought that was just close to a 500E. Could that be a brute in a suit?"
The Fiat 500e is a small electric car that's great for city driving. It's easy to park and helps reduce pollution.
The Fiat 500e is an all-electric version of the classic Fiat 500, designed for urban driving with a compact size and eco-friendly features. It offers a fun driving experience while being environmentally conscious.
Audi S8
"...iloring to it. I think the first generation Audi S8 is a brute in a suit."
The Audi S8 is a fancy car that's also very fast. It has lots of cool features and is designed for people who want both luxury and speed.
The Audi S8 is a high-performance version of the Audi A8 luxury sedan, known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It combines luxury with sports car performance, making it a unique offering in the luxury market.
BMW 750I
"an hour, but look beautiful. I think a 750i BMW E32, short wheelbase, wide kidneys is a brut..."
The BMW 7 Series is a top-of-the-line luxury car that's very comfortable and packed with high-tech features. It's designed for people who want the best in a car.
The BMW 7 Series is the brand's flagship luxury sedan, known for its advanced technology and comfort. It offers a smooth ride and a host of features aimed at providing a premium driving experience.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...e the idea of one of those, you know, a suffix A Range Rover. This one goes on auction about a week after thi..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can handle tough terrains while also being very comfortable inside. People often buy it for its style and luxury.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capability and premium features. It has a strong presence in the luxury vehicle market and is often associated with wealth and status.
BMW 528I
"...ecause ultimately saloon cars are the best cars. 528i, done what? 60,000."
The BMW 5 Series is a nice luxury car that's good for both driving and comfort. It's popular because it works well for many different kinds of people.
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury sedan that balances performance, comfort, and technology. It has been a popular choice for executives and families alike due to its versatility.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
"...second car does the same thing, but I love these Giulia Quadrifoglios. I think they are some of the most..."
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stylish car that looks great and is fun to drive. The faster version, called the Quadrifoglio, is especially loved for its speed.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a sporty sedan that combines Italian styling with performance-oriented engineering. The Giulia Quadrifoglio variant is particularly praised for its powerful engine and dynamic handling.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
"What have you bought? You have a Phantom. Wrappy."
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a super-luxurious car that many people dream of owning. It's known for being very comfortable and beautifully made.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is the flagship luxury sedan of the brand, known for its opulence and craftsmanship. It represents the pinnacle of luxury automotive design and is often associated with the elite.
Aston Martin Rapide
"Yes, yes, of course. The Rapide. Is a Rapide a supercar?"
The Aston Martin Rapide is a beautiful car that can carry more people than most sports cars while still being very fast. It's designed for those who want luxury and performance.
The Aston Martin Rapide is a luxury four-door sports car that combines Aston Martin's signature styling with high-performance capabilities. It offers a unique blend of elegance and speed.
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