Which Cars Are The Best Cars, An Existential Car Crisis, Goth Girlfriends Rock | Episode 1,024
About this episode
A lively discussion kicks off with a big announcement about an upcoming live podcast. The hosts reflect on their recent $12,000 used car comparison, highlighting fun options like the Fiesta ST. They dive into exciting Toyota news regarding the GR GT and LFA EV, emphasizing Toyota's commitment to performance. The episode also touches on the latest Consumer Reports rankings, revealing surprising shifts in brand reliability. The hosts tackle listener questions about car choices, including practical family vehicles that maintain driving fun, and share their thoughts on the evolving automotive landscape.
Skoda Rapid
"It'll be questions only from you guys. It'll be rapid fire. Those always fly by."
Ford Fiesta ST
"and so many people are loving the Fiesta ST. We love that car."
The Ford Fiesta ST is a sportier version of the regular Fiesta, designed to be more fun to drive. It's small and nimble, making it great for city driving and twisty roads.
The Ford Fiesta ST is a performance-oriented version of the standard Fiesta, known for its agile handling and spirited driving experience. It's popular among enthusiasts for its fun-to-drive nature and compact size.
Toyota GR GT
"the reveal of the Toyota GR GT. We've been talking about it and discussing it for a long time."
The Toyota GR GT is a new sports car from Toyota's performance division, designed for speed and excitement. It's part of their effort to create high-performance vehicles.
The Toyota GR GT is a sports car that represents Toyota's performance-oriented Gazoo Racing division. It showcases advanced engineering and design, aiming to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
Lexus LFA
"they're reusing the nomenclature LFA, but it's an LFA EV which is fine with us."
The Lexus LFA is a supercar made by Lexus, known for being very fast and having a unique design. It was made in limited quantities and is highly regarded among car enthusiasts.
The Lexus LFA is a high-performance supercar known for its exceptional engineering and distinctive design. Originally produced in limited numbers, it features a powerful V10 engine and advanced aerodynamics.
EV
"but it's an LFA EV which is fine with us. But we watched the reveal last week"
An EV, or electric vehicle, runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This makes them better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is powered entirely by electricity rather than traditional fuels. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
GT3 racing
"You can go GT3 racing. The FI GT3 rules is what they followed here."
GT3 racing is a type of car racing where modified versions of regular sports cars compete against each other. It's popular among car manufacturers because it allows them to show off their cars' speed and performance.
GT3 racing refers to a category of sports car racing that features production-based vehicles modified for competition. The regulations for GT3 cars are designed to ensure a level playing field while allowing manufacturers to showcase their performance capabilities.
FI GT3 rules
"The FI GT3 rules is what they followed here. Offer into that segment..."
The FI GT3 rules are guidelines that tell car manufacturers how to modify their cars for racing in GT3 events. These rules help keep the competition fair and safe for all drivers.
The FI GT3 rules are a set of regulations established by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for GT3 racing. These rules govern the specifications and modifications allowed for competing vehicles, ensuring fairness and safety in the sport.
hybridized V8
"because we're talking about a twin turbo hybridized V8, somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 horsepower..."
A hybridized V8 means the car has a V8 engine that also uses electric power. This helps it save fuel and be more environmentally friendly while still being powerful.
A hybridized V8 engine combines a traditional V8 internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while maintaining high performance.
twin turbo
"because we're talking about a twin turbo hybridized V8, somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 horsepower..."
Twin turbo means the engine has two turbochargers that help it produce more power. This makes the car faster and more efficient.
A twin turbo setup uses two turbochargers to increase engine power and efficiency by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This can significantly enhance performance compared to a single turbo system.
horsepower
"somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 horsepower..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. Higher horsepower generally means better acceleration and performance.
halo car
"This is a big halo car moonshot for Toyota. They have the hybrid background..."
A halo car is a really impressive car that a company makes to show off what they can do. It's meant to attract customers and make the brand look good.
A halo car is a high-performance vehicle designed to showcase a brand's capabilities and attract attention, often serving as a flagship model that enhances the brand's image.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
"It does look big. AMG GT kind of big. Like last gen AMG GT."
Toyota Supra
"Which it looks like you crossed that with a Supra and you got this thing."
The Supra is a popular sports car made by Toyota. It's known for being fast and is often modified by car enthusiasts to improve its performance.
The Toyota Supra is a well-known sports car that has gained a cult following for its performance and tuning potential. The latest generation features a turbocharged inline-six engine and a rear-wheel-drive layout.
torque
"at least 641 horsepower and 627 foot pounds of torque with an eight speed automatic transaxle."
Torque measures how much twisting force an engine can produce. It's important for how quickly a car can accelerate and how well it can pull heavy loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in automotive terms refers to the engine's ability to do work. It is crucial for acceleration and pulling power.
electric motor
"And in EV, the electric motor replaced in the torque converter. So right at the engine, battery above the transaxle in the rear,"
An electric motor is a part of electric cars that uses electricity to make the car move. It replaces traditional engines that run on gasoline.
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, often used in electric vehicles (EVs) to drive the wheels.
GT3 class racing
"...but it also just bodes well for GT3 class racing in general. Aluminum chassis, entirely new,..."
GT3 class racing is a type of car racing where different brands can race their modified street cars. It's known for being competitive and includes famous races like the 24 Hours of Spa.
GT3 class racing refers to a category in sports car racing that allows for a variety of manufacturers to compete with modified versions of their production cars. This class focuses on balance and performance, making it popular in endurance racing events like the 24 Hours of Spa.
weight distribution
"...designed for the GT3 version here. And a 45 to 55 weight distribution."
Weight distribution is how the weight of a car is balanced between the front and back. A car with 45% weight in the front and 55% in the back can handle differently than one with a different balance.
Weight distribution refers to how the weight of a vehicle is spread across its axles. A 45 to 55 weight distribution means that 45% of the weight is on the front axle and 55% on the rear, which can affect handling and performance, especially in racing.
Toyota Gt
"...the Toyota GT and the GT3 will be sold through Lexus dealers."
The Toyota GT is a sports car made by Toyota that focuses on high performance and exciting driving experiences. It's designed to be fast and fun to drive.
The Toyota GT refers to a high-performance sports car that showcases Toyota's engineering capabilities and design philosophy. It is often associated with advanced technology and performance features.
Toyota Sienna
"...er than buying a $200 plus thousand car next to a Sienna minivan. I think it could work"
high performance vehicle
"It's positioned as a high performance vehicle, which is what the Toyota brand is all about."
A high performance vehicle is a car that is built to go faster and handle better than regular cars. They usually have powerful engines and special features that make them fun to drive.
A high performance vehicle is designed for superior speed, handling, and overall driving experience compared to standard vehicles. These cars often feature enhanced engines, suspension systems, and other performance-oriented components.
Dodge Viper
"This looks like it could be the next gen Viper. That's no bad thing. It's not a bad thing, but think about the Viper's perception. The size. The size perception of the Viper."
The Dodge Viper is a fast sports car made by Dodge. It's famous for its strong engine and unique look, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and distinctive styling. It has a reputation for being a raw and engaging driving experience, often compared to other supercars.
Porsche 911
"...granted, I've juxtaposed this before. The current 911 is as long as a Viper. It doesn't seem like it."
Mercedes-AMG
"I've read the Mercedes AMG, it's cool, big screen, a lot of buttons, but what are we looking for, I suppose?"
Mercedes-AMG makes faster and sportier versions of regular Mercedes cars. They focus on performance and luxury, making them popular among car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-AMG is the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, specializing in high-performance vehicles that combine luxury with enhanced power and handling. They are known for their sporty designs and advanced engineering.
Pagani
"Does it have to be crazy Pagani-like to feel super car-like, or would you rather have a purpose-built environment here?"
Pagani is a brand that makes very expensive and fast sports cars, known for their special designs and technology.
Pagani is an Italian manufacturer known for producing high-performance supercars that are often characterized by their unique designs and use of advanced materials.
Lexus
"The Lexus will look, I think, pretty interesting, pretty driver-focused, but we're hearing pricing based on what current GT3 cars cost."
Lexus is a brand that makes luxury cars, which are designed to be very comfortable and have lots of features.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota, known for producing high-quality cars that emphasize comfort and reliability.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...that really evokes luxury, and anytime any SUV manufacturer is designing something new, I think they're looking at Ranges."
The Land Rover Range Rover is a high-end SUV that is both stylish and capable of going off-road. It's often seen as a standard for luxury in the SUV market.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capability and upscale features. It has become a benchmark for luxury SUVs, influencing many manufacturers in its design and styling.
Lincoln
"...Lincoln did, and they're successful. Lincoln looked at those and went, you know what? Ranges."
Lincoln is a brand that makes luxury cars and SUVs. They focus on providing a comfortable and high-tech driving experience.
Lincoln is a luxury vehicle division of the American automaker Ford. It is known for producing premium cars and SUVs that emphasize comfort and technology.
Land Rover
"And I've always thought that the current Land Rover is about as far towards slabs as they could go, and that we found them too far."
Land Rover is a brand that makes high-end SUVs designed for both off-road and on-road driving. They are known for their luxury and performance.
Land Rover is a British automotive brand known for its luxury SUVs and off-road vehicles. The brand has a reputation for combining rugged capability with upscale features.
Porsche Taycan
"...al transmission into their EVs, starting with the Taycan, it's understanding, because Porsche apparently i..."
Hyundai i5N
"...Porsche is looking at the i5N and the i6N and going, how'd they do this?"
The Hyundai i5N is a sporty electric car made by Hyundai. It's designed to be fun to drive and has special features for better performance.
The Hyundai i5N is a performance-oriented electric vehicle from Hyundai, part of their N series which focuses on sporty and dynamic driving experiences.
shift points
"...the shift points is what made us fall in love."
Shift points are the moments when a car changes gears. Knowing when to shift can help the car run better and save fuel.
Shift points refer to the specific engine RPM at which a vehicle's transmission changes gears. Properly managing shift points can enhance performance and efficiency.
all-wheel drive
"Now, Toyota is only selling this right now as an all-wheel drive hybrid. That's the way the Sienna comes."
All-wheel drive means that the car can send power to all four wheels at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially when it's rainy or snowy.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Subaru BRZ
"How did that get up there? The BRZ is way at the back. They drove at it early in the..."
Alfa Romeo Tonale
"...e that the Alfa has the, it's Hornet variant, the Tonale, the Tonale is there. Not a good name."
Alfa Romeo Giulia
"...icles. And look, I have championed the Alfa Romeo Giulia. I'll probably do it again this podcast."
Mini Cooper
"...there, which is pretty cool to see. Even the Mini Cooper in yellow. Look at that."
Chevrolet C8
"...ports cars, $40,000 and above, amazing to see the C8 Stingray at the very top of the list"
Mazda Miata
"...xers up there as well, which I'd like to see. The Miata didn't rank quite as high as I thought it was goi..."
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"But what was interesting is we currently have a Santa Cruz press vehicle, and here it is at the top of consu..."
Toyota 4Runner
"...ou're doing this list. Very top is the new Toyota 4Runner. That's why you did that."
Jeep Wranglers
"And yeah, so off-road focused SUVs. The Wranglers up here, which is good, but the scoring isn't too..."
Porsche Cayenne
"But then moving on to the luxury versions, the Cayenne is very, very in the top three here as well. Inte..."
Subaru Crosstrek
"...in this market. The very bottom is the new Subaru Crosstrek hybrid. So it is still in test."
Mitsubishi Outlander
"... much dead last in my opinion. But the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has taken the crown from the Tows for being..."
Mazda Rx8S
"Well, but the cars, the $12,000 car piece we just did. The RX-8's in it. Yeah."
Oldsmobile Tempest
"Any car, anywhere, at any price, Auto Tempest searches all the major car listing sites on the w..."
Jeep Cherokee
"...ar for a new driver. Although I had a cheap Grand Cherokee. True, but GLS is, that's big."
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...huge car for a new driver. Although I had a cheap Grand Cherokee. True, but GLS is, that's big."
Mercedes-Benz GLS
"Although I had a cheap Grand Cherokee. True, but GLS is, that's big. Anyway, he's gonna drive that thr..."
Jeep Wagoneer
"...has his description here. The behemoth Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series 3 for family and hauling duty."
Willys Jeep
"His wife has his description here. The behemoth Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series 3 for family and hauling du..."
Chevrolet Suburban
"So that's covered. That's suburban size now. Yeah, that's extra big."
Ford Focus RS
"... extra big. He's had a Durango 392 in the past, a Focus RS. He's looking at maybe a GR Corolla or Golf R."
Dodge Durango
"Yeah, that's extra big. He's had a Durango 392 in the past, a Focus RS. He's looking at mayb..."
Toyota GR Corolla
"... in the past, a Focus RS. He's looking at maybe a GR Corolla or Golf R. But he's wondering about the ability f..."
Toyota Corolla
"... the past, a Focus RS. He's looking at maybe a GR Corolla or Golf R. But he's wondering about the ability f..."
Audi Sq8 Audi
"...re. Tony's wandering mind is considered an SQ7 or SQ8 Audi, GLE 53, McConn, Cayenne, GLC 43,"
Porsche Macan
"... an excellent choice here. I have others like the Macan. It's good."
Hyundai Ionic 5
"...ut a hitch on one of these. However, the standard Ionic 5, toes like crazy. You can find pictures all over ..."
Subaru Outback
"...ce. He needs to upgrade from his loathsome Subaru outback. His word, but interesting."
Ford Mustang GT
"... down to the Golf R, 7.5, maybe the 8, 7.5, and a Mustang GT. He gives us a list of cars that are off the list..."
Genesis G70
"...e's the cars that Douglas is not considering. The G70 and Stinger, no tow and kinda boring. CT4, Cadill..."
Cadillac CT4
"The G70 and Stinger, no tow and kinda boring. CT4, Cadillac Blackwing, over $40,000. The IS350 is b..."
Chevrolet Ss
"The IS350 is boring. The Chevrolet SS, too old, he writes. Charger, scat pack, too heav..."
Volkswagen Arteon
"Charger, scat pack, too heavy. The Volkswagen Arteon is boring. Cadillac ATSV, well, it's a little bit..."
Cadillac Atsv
"The Volkswagen Arteon is boring. Cadillac ATSV, well, it's a little bit older right now, but hor..."
Subaru WRX
"but horrible interior. And the WRX, he says, another CVT, please no. Love it, good s..."
Acura TLX Type S
"How about a TLX? How about a TLX Type S? Ooh, that'd be cool."
Mini Countryman
"Here it is. Ooh, the Mini Countryman JCW. Hopefully not the current one."
Volkswagen Golf
"...no German brands. And then you said, what about a Volkswagen Golf R? Well, that's true."
Chevrolet Malibus
"Okay? And it has a better interior than the Malibus and that stuff that Chevy was selling at the same..."
Volvo 440S
"...it of a dice roll. His wife loves the BMW 430 and 440s even with the beaver teeth."
Volvo XC90
"...y drove a number of SUVs, they settled on a Volvo XC90 Ultimate Recharge T8. That's the end of the words..."
Mazda Cx50
"so it transcribed incorrectly. But when he sold his Mazda CX-50, it had 90,000 miles on it."
Pontiac Firebird Convertible
"his first car and still owns that 1969 Z28. A 69 Firebird convertible will be his daughter someday. Whoa, whoa, whoa, h..."
Renault Laguna
"...en working home, he says the car has even been at Laguna Seca during an HOD track day,"
International Scouts
"...nes whereas Volkswagen's investment in Rivian and Scouts and the same 10-speed transmission"
Ford Mustang GTD
"and the same 10-speed transmission in the Mustang GTD and Corvette ZR1. Well, does that mean they're ju..."
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