Glossary / General

Widow Maker

9 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

'Widow Maker' is a nickname for cars that can be very tricky to drive. It usually refers to powerful cars that can catch drivers off guard, especially if they're not used to handling that kind of speed or power.

Technical Definition

The term 'Widow Maker' is often used to describe cars that are particularly challenging to drive due to their power delivery and handling characteristics, which can lead to dangerous situations for inexperienced drivers. It's commonly associated with high-performance vehicles that have significant turbo lag or other traits that make them difficult to control.

Hear It Discussed

"...we drive that car and it's got this Widow Maker you know reputation because it has such epic turbo lag..."
The Minds Behind Nicole Johnson's Detour (Audio Only) Bring a Trailer Podcast 01:45

"...And it also is known as a widow maker."
Ep. 306: We Bought 12 Cars In 2025 - These Are Our Least & Most Favorite! TFL Car Chat 19:36

"What do they mean when they say it's a widowmaker for a 911 turbo? So that's the very first 911, 930 turbo back in the 78, 79 time frame where if you lift in a turn, it just spins."
Porsche Trivia Time – How Much Do You Know? Porsche Club Insider 32:10