Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!

Episode: Are YouTubers Controlling the Values of Cars? All the Cars Dead for 2025! and MORE!
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host: Doug DeMuro
Guests: Kenan and Filippo

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with a brief, humorous exchange about movie promotions and popcorn advertisements before diving into the automotive discussions. Hosted by Doug DeMuro alongside Kenan and Filippo, the trio explores a range of topics from automotive market trends to the influence of YouTubers on car valuations.

2. Jaguar's Limited E-Type Production

Discussion Highlights:

• Jaguar Classic's Revival: Doug shares that Jaguar, traditionally not producing new cars, has built two new E-Types for a wealthy client in Southeast Asia. This marks their first E-Type production since the 1970s.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro [01:09]: "Jaguar, noted automaker that does not build any cars, has built two cars."
• Kenan [02:05]: "Yeah, brilliant move, actually."

Insights: Filippo and Kenan speculate on the financial implications for Jaguar, suggesting the company likely charged exorbitant fees for these bespoke vehicles. They also discuss the potential for Jaguar to produce more one-off models for affluent clients, similar to Porsche's and Aston Martin's exclusive editions.

3. Porsche’s Custom Career GT Issues

Discussion Highlights:

• Customization Critique: The team criticizes Porsche for their overly extravagant customization options for the Carrera GT, highlighting the lack of aesthetic taste in recent iterations.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro [04:01]: "They are heinous. Every single one they've made has been the most heinous thing you could possibly imagine."
• Filippo [04:16]: "How much would it charge?"

Insights: The conversation emphasizes Porsche's shift towards extensive personalization, which Doug and Filippo view as detracting from the car's classic appeal. They argue that Porsche's focus on luxury customization over performance aesthetics compromises the vehicle's original charm.

4. Cars Dead for 2025: A Comprehensive List

Discussion Highlights:

• Extensive Product Phase-Outs: Doug and Filippo delve into the list of cars that will no longer be produced by 2025, highlighting brands like Maserati, Audi, Ferrari, and MINI.

Notable Quotes:

• Filippo [05:15]: "Would you want to guess any?"
• Doug DeMuro [05:21]: "It is literally every Maserati except for the Grecale and the Gran Turismo and the MC20."

Key Vehicles Discussed:

• Maserati: Almost all models except the Grecale, Gran Turismo, and MC20 are discontinued.
• Audi: The two-door variants of the A5, S5, and RS5 are being phased out in favor of the new Sportback models.
• Chevrolet Camaro: Production halted, with hopes for a redesigned electric version in the future.
• Ferrari: Models like the F8 and Superseded Ferrari (referenced as “F80”) are ending, with new supercars introducing hybrid technologies.
• MINI: The Clubman and Countryman models are discontinued, reflecting a strategic shift by the brand.

Insights: The hosts discuss the implications of these discontinuations, considering market trends and consumer preferences shifting towards SUVs and electric vehicles. They also speculate on the potential for these brands to reintroduce or reinvent certain models in electric or hybrid forms.

5. The Impact of YouTubers on Car Values

Discussion Highlights:

• Influencer Effect: Doug addresses concerns about how YouTubers and automotive influencers might drive up car prices through increased visibility and desirability.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro [50:33]: "I don't think that happens usually."
• Filippo [51:14]: "You see their experience with whatever car when you're like, oh, I could do this."

Insights: While acknowledging that influencers like Stradman and Magnus Walker can impact car values, Doug contends that the effect is often overstated. He explains that comprehensive content, including ownership experiences and maintenance insights, can genuinely influence buyer confidence but doesn't singularly inflate prices dramatically.

6. Chinese Electric Vehicles and Ford’s SU7

Discussion Highlights:

• Ford CEO’s Experimentation: The hosts discuss Ford CEO Jim Farley's use of the Xiaomi SU7, a Chinese electric SUV, and his observations on Chinese EV advancements.

Notable Quotes:

• Filippo [10:42]: "There are a lot of cool cars in China."
• Doug DeMuro [12:58]: "It used to be that, like, you had to sell in North America if you wanted to be a really successful automaker... Now the Chinese companies can just ignore America."

Insights: The conversation highlights the rapid development of Chinese electric vehicles and their technological innovations, such as the Yang Wang U8's floating capabilities. They discuss Ford's recognition of the competitive EV landscape outside the traditional North American market and the potential implications for American automakers.

7. Unique Electric Vehicles: Yangwang U8

Discussion Highlights:

• Yangwang U8 Features: Filippo introduces the Yangwang U8, a 1200 horsepower electric SUV capable of floating on water for 30 minutes and traveling 1.8 miles per hour while afloat.

Notable Quotes:

• Filippo [14:03]: "It can float for 30 minutes. If it 30s water, it will elevate its suspension, turn off the engine."
• Doug DeMuro [15:06]: "This is what I'm saying. The Chinese have are eating our lunch."

Insights: Kenan and Doug humorously speculate about the practicality and reliability of such features, imagining scenarios where the vehicle's unique capabilities might come into play. They underscore the innovative edge of Chinese EV manufacturers, contrasting it with the more traditional approaches of Western automakers.

8. Recalls and Safety Concerns: Lamborghini Revuelto

Discussion Highlights:

• Lamborghini Revuelto Recall: Kenan reports a recent recall of 455 Lamborghini Revuelto models in the U.S. due to a wiper arm issue that could potentially cause fires.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenan [27:21]: "Now, this Is indicative that something bigger might be wrong. There might be another recall coming."
• Doug DeMuro [28:01]: "It's surprising that more cars don't catch on fire."

Insights: The hosts discuss the broader implications of combustion engine safety, debating why more cars aren't experiencing fires despite constant engine activity. They also humorously speculate whether influencers might be involved in such incidents for promotional reasons, although they largely attribute the recall to technical malfunctions.

9. Cars and Bids Market Report

Discussion Highlights:

• Sales Highlights: The team shares impressive sales figures from Cars and Bids, including a Ferrari 812 GTS sold for $522,000—exceeding similar sales on Bring a Trailer by 1.3%.

Notable Quotes:

• Filippo [40:08]: "In Q3 we got 1.3% more money."
• Doug DeMuro [39:52]: "We sold the Ferrari 812 GTS for $522,000."

Insights: Filippo elaborates on how Cars and Bids garners more views and bids for listings compared to traditional auction sites, highlighting the platform's growing influence in the high-end automotive market. They also discuss strategies to maximize sales potential, emphasizing data-driven approaches.

10. Used Car Market Insight: Honda Pilot EXL

Discussion Highlights:

• Affordable Reliability: Filippo discusses the sale of a 2004 Honda Pilot EXL for $15,000, highlighting its low mileage and reliability despite being discontinued.

Notable Quotes:

• Filippo [44:02]: "They were reliable, they're good cars, but it's a regular car."
• Doug DeMuro [44:29]: "It would take someone who likes wants a used car and it's going to be a great one."

Insights: The conversation centers on the surprising affordability and longevity of older Honda Pilots, challenging perceptions about used SUVs. They debate whether such prices are driven by nostalgia or genuine value, considering the vehicle's condition and potential for continued use.

11. Notable Car Bidding: Renault Sports Spider

Discussion Highlights:

• Exclusive Import: The hosts express excitement over the Renault Sports Spider, a limited and federally compliant import, highlighting its rarity and unique design features like the Designo Mocha interior.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro [30:04]: "I want this car so badly."
• Filippo [31:02]: "This is legitimately what my car is modeled after."

Insights: Kenan and Filippo discuss the desirability of the Renault Sports Spider, noting its alignment with their personal preferences and the exclusivity that makes it a coveted item on Cars and Bids. They also touch upon the challenges of importing rare vehicles and the appeal of unique color schemes and interiors.

12. Audience Questions and Discussions

Key Questions Addressed:

1. Most Popular Cars to “Kill”:

   • Question: "Why did you stop trying out the back seats of cars with small back seats?"
     Answer: Kenan shares his personal health issues that make accessing small back seats uncomfortable, while Doug humorously comments on the physical challenges of older car models.

2. Favorite Non-US Market Car Desired in the US:

   • Question: "What is your favorite non-US market car that you wish had been sold in the US?"
     Answer: The Zonda, various Carrera RS models, and niche European minivans like the Renault Sports Spider are highlighted as desirable imports for their performance and uniqueness.

3. Influencers Affecting Car Prices:

   • Question: "Is there any evidence of YouTubers actually driving up car prices like movies did in the past?"
     Answer: Doug acknowledges that while influencers can impact car desirability, the effect is nuanced and depends on comprehensive content rather than isolated videos.

4. Potential Enthusiast Electric Vehicles:

   • Question: "Do you ever think there will be an EV that's known as an enthusiast car?"
     Answer: The hosts discuss the current landscape, mentioning models like the Tesla Roadster and Rimac Nevera, but agree that the market for enthusiast EVs is still developing.

13. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to engage with Cars and Bids, highlighting their app's success and urging Filippo to finalize his potential car purchase. Doug humorously emphasizes the importance of buying engaging content for the audience and teases future discussions on iconic models like the LFA.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug DeMuro [58:55]: "This is our finest podcast yet."
• Filippo [58:58]: "Ha."

Overall Insights: This episode offers an in-depth exploration of the evolving automotive landscape, emphasizing the strategic shifts of traditional brands, the rise of Chinese EV innovations, and the nuanced influence of automotive influencers. The hosts blend technical analysis with humor, providing listeners with both informative content and entertaining banter.