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

Episode: Auto Manufacturers React to Tariffs! New Porsche 911 Prices are INSANE! Every BMW M3 Ranked

Release Date: April 4, 2025

Introduction

In this dynamic episode of "THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!", host Doug DeMuro along with co-hosts Nolan Sykes, Joe Weber, and Filippo dive deep into some of the most pressing issues in the automotive world. From the impact of new tariffs on car prices to the soaring costs of Porsche’s latest 911 models, and an extensive ranking of every BMW M3 generation, this episode is packed with expert insights and spirited discussions.

Auto Manufacturers React to Tariffs

The episode begins with a heated discussion on the recent imposition of 25% tariffs on all imported cars and significant car parts. Nolan Sykes expresses skepticism about the administration's handling of the situation, stating,

"Trump's like, 'We're getting screwed by these other countries now. We're going to charge them money and we're going to make more.' No, we're going to pay more. [...] It's insane."
[02:39]

Joe Weber adds to the critique by highlighting the government's role in benefiting from these tariffs rather than the consumers:

"It would be beneficial if that money then went back into government programs which are being cut by Doge."
[02:25]

Filippo discusses the complexities manufacturers face in adjusting their supply chains and pricing strategies:

"Car parts are included in tariffs to some extent. Unclear where that delineation starts and ends."
[03:01]

The hosts debate the broader economic implications, emphasizing that while the government stands to gain, the average consumer is burdened with higher prices. Nolan likens the tariffs to a hidden tax increase:

"And the government's going to make more money. That's called a tax hike."
[08:32]

New Porsche 911 Prices are INSANE!

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the alarming price hikes of Porsche’s new 911 models. Nolan Sykes reveals the steep increase:

"The new Carrera starts at 130,000 United States dollars. 130,000 base."
[21:25]

Filippo points out the lack of transparency regarding whether these prices include anticipated tariff increases:

"Porsche has not commented on whether that includes forecasted Tariff increases."
[21:25]

The discussion highlights how these price surges affect consumer perception and market competitiveness. Nolan underscores the impact of inflation combined with the tariff:

"I guarantee you there's no, they did an eight grand price increase. Inflation was not. I was like 10%. That included zero for you."
[23:21]

Joe Weber contrasts the new Carrera S with other high-performance models, noting the aggressive pricing strategy:

"The Carrera S is 150A GTS. I had that GTS press car a couple weeks ago. 205."
[22:45]

Every BMW M3 Ranked

Transitioning to BMW, the hosts engage in a spirited debate ranking every BMW M3 generation from worst to best. Nolan Sykes initiates the ranking with strong opinions:

"The E46 M3 is still, in my opinion, one of the great German cars of all time."
[73:45]

Joe Weber concurs, praising the E46 for its balance and performance:

"I think the E46 M3 is the best."
[73:45]

Filippo and Nolan further discuss the nuances of each model, considering factors like engine performance, design aesthetics, and practicality. They acknowledge the innovations in newer models like the G80 but express nostalgic admiration for older generations such as the E30 and E46.

"I promise you, come back to this pod in 20 years, we'll both have them long gone. [...] We will look back on this and say the cars are all old now, but at least the G80 is the newest, the fastest that ever got what BMW did so well."
[80:15]

Q1 Car Sales Report

Filippo presents an overview of Q1 car sales, highlighting Subaru's remarkable achievement of 32 consecutive months of growth:

"Subaru had their 32nd in a row month of month over month growth and is their best month ever. Yeah, that's not a made up fact."
[17:31]

Kia and Hyundai also celebrate record sales, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, while Tesla faces a downturn:

"Kia and Hyundai have record EV sales. Tesla is going down."
[18:00]

Nolan Sykes speculates on the decline of Tesla, attributing it to shifting consumer preferences rather than a lack of interest in EVs:

"People are looking for alternatives. It's not that they're not looking for EVs necessarily."
[18:14]

Aston Martin's Financial Struggles

The conversation shifts to Aston Martin, revealing the company's ongoing financial difficulties and its seventh equity raise since 2020. Joe Weber notes:

"Aston Martin is suffering financially."
[10:31]

Lawrence Stroll’s increased investment, including the acquisition of a Formula One team, is discussed as a potential lifeline for the brand:

"He's a billionaire. He's putting his own money into this brand."
[12:06]

Despite these efforts, the hosts remain skeptical about Aston Martin’s ability to overcome its financial woes without substantial changes to its business strategy.

Other Car Stories

• Honda's Creative Marketing: The hosts critique Honda’s unconventional approach of dangling Passports from a crane to showcase the SUV’s off-road capabilities.

  "Honda is desperately trying [...] to convince people that the passport is an off road SUV."
  [28:43]

• Bugatti Chiron Enforcement in Vienna: A visually striking story involves a Bugatti Chiron being towed in Vienna for speeding, highlighting the city’s strict enforcement of speed limits.

  "This is a Bugatti Chiron that is being seized now, evidently this was in Austria on the Ringstrasse."
  [29:58]

Listener Questions

The hosts tackle several listener-submitted questions, providing expert opinions and engaging in thoughtful debates:

1. Top Five Cars Not Subject to Tariffs:

   • The group finds it challenging to pinpoint specific models due to the global nature of auto manufacturing but suggests that cars built primarily in the U.S. like the Toyota Corolla might be less affected.

     "The vast majority of Teslas will be the car."
     [62:17]

2. Cars Sharing Platforms—Success vs. Flop:

   • They discuss examples such as the Buick Rendezvous versus Pontiac Aztec, highlighting how even on a shared platform, one model can thrive while another flounders.

3. "Halo Car" Failures:

   • The discussion centers around how certain high-profile models can damage a brand’s reputation if they fail to meet expectations, with Maserati’s Ghibli cited as an example.

     "The Ghibli really ushered in the beginning of a bad era for Maserati."
     [67:04]

4. Ranking Every BMW M3:

   • Returning to the BMW M3 ranking, the hosts solidify their placements, with the E46 M3 frequently praised for its iconic status and performance.

     "The best one is the E46 M3."
     [73:45]

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reflect on the interconnectedness of automotive trends, manufacturing policies, and consumer behavior. They emphasize the importance of staying informed and adapting to industry changes, ensuring that enthusiasts remain engaged and knowledgeable about the evolving car landscape.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, detailing key discussions, notable quotes with timestamps, and providing a structured overview suitable for listeners who haven't tuned in.