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

Episode Title: How Long Will Electric Cars Survive? Best Ferrari Under $100K? The Next Popemobile?
Release Date: August 8, 2025

1. Financial Spotlight: Rivian’s Q2 Performance

The episode opens with a discussion on Rivian's financial health. Filippo highlights the company's recent losses and revenue growth:

“Rivian, which makes SUVs and pickup trucks, said this week that they lost $1.1 billion in Q2 of this year, now on about $1.3 billion of revenues. Now their revenues are up and they lost less this year than they lost in Q2 of last year.”
[00:29] Filippo

Kenan adds:

“Still down.”
[00:51] Kenan

The conversation delves into the challenges Rivian faces, particularly the decline in selling EV credits:

“Rivian has some big factors impacting them, one is they can't really sell like EV credits anymore...”
[01:17] Filippo

Doug questions the sustainability of EV companies under these financial strains:

“Is an electric car company a sustainable business model anymore?”
[01:53] Doug

2. Electric Vehicle Sustainability

Filippo responds cautiously about the future of EV companies like Rivian:

“Maybe. I mean, they're losing less money than before...”
[01:53] Filippo

He anticipates an upcoming episode featuring RJ Scarrange, CEO of Rivian, to address these concerns in depth:

“Next week the podcast will have a guest, RJ Scarrange, CEO of Rivian... This is going to be our podcast next week.”
[01:53] Filippo

3. Jaguar Land Rover Leadership Changes

The hosts discuss the recent retirement of Adrian Mardell, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, and his successor, PB Balaji:

“Adrian Mardell was the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover... PB Balaji, currently the CFO of Tata Motors, will take his place.”
[07:29] Filippo

Kenan reflects on Mardell's tenure and the challenges faced:

“Jaguar was a ship with a hole in the bottom and it was sinking dramatically...”
[09:03] Doug & Kenan

4. Mercedes-Benz’s Product Roadmap

Filippo presents leaked plans for Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming models:

“We have some leaked Mercedes-Benz product planning plans for 2026, 2027... It's a really notable product offensive.”
[10:58] Filippo

The discussion covers the potential impact of these new releases and Mercedes’ shift towards electric vehicles:

“They've paused sales in the US of their EQ lineup... They're investing very heavily...”
[13:33] Filippo

5. Porsche Macan and Future Models

The conversation shifts to Porsche's strategy with the Macan:

“Porsche currently sells a Macan and a Macan EV... they're planning a successor to the gas-powered Macan coming out in 2028.”
[16:40] Filippo

Doug expresses skepticism about Porsche’s commitment to electric versions of iconic models like the Cayman and Boxster amid market uncertainties:

“Are they really still going to commit to creating electric versions...?”
[17:32] Doug

6. Chevrolet Corvette’s Nurburgring Achievements

Kenan shares impressive lap times set by the Chevrolet Corvette at the Nurburgring:

“The ZR1X did a 649:275, which is blisteringly fast... It beat the Mustang GTD’s 652.072.”
[21:04] Kenan

Filippo praises GM’s engineering prowess, highlighting the Corvette's competitiveness against traditional high-end sports cars:

“This just underscores how American manufacturers are making some cool stuff right now...”
[23:07] Filippo

7. Trackside Cars and Coffee: Road America and Road Atlanta

The hosts recount their recent participation in a Trackside Cars and Coffee event at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin:

“We ran the first ever trackside Cars and Coffee at Road America... It was gorgeous.”
[29:28] Filippo

They describe the variety of vehicles showcased and the enthusiastic interactions with fellow car enthusiasts:

“A 992 Targa 4S, a cup, a UNSX all carbon, an old NSX all carbon GT3 RS... so many cool people.”
[30:17] Filippo

Plans for an upcoming event at Road Atlanta are announced, aiming to accommodate more participants:

“We're going to be doing another trackside cars and coffee in October at Road Atlanta... Space for 50.”
[32:21] Kenan

8. European Adventures: Monaco and Spa

Kenan shares his experiences driving in Europe, particularly on the Autobahn and at Spa:

“I maxed it many times. Which is 155 miles an hour...”
[43:21] Kenan

Filippo discusses the cultural aspects of driving in Europe and the allure of high-performance tracks:

“Walking around the actual circuit itself and going to the hairpin was amazing... It gives you perspective on how fast those cars drive.”
[38:34] Kenan

9. Market Report: Mercedes-Benz SLR Valuations

The hosts delve into the Mercedes-Benz SLR market, noting unusual trends in mileage and pricing:

“None of them have miles. None of them...”
[56:26] Filippo

Kenan emphasizes the SLR’s iconic status and its potential undervaluation:

“They are insanely powerful. 617 horsepower is no joke... a lot of interesting aspects of the car.”
[58:08] Kenan

Doug debates the appreciation potential of the SLR compared to other classic models:

“Maybe they are primed to at some point actually appreciate in a real meaningful way.”
[58:55] Doug

10. Audience Q&A: Engaging with Listener Questions

a. Best Car from the Worst Brand

Filippo nominates the Maserati Levante Tro, praising its Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V8 and sports SUV performance:

“They both have that real Ferrari derived twin turbo V8 in an SUV. It’s a surprisingly good sports SUV.”
[64:34] Filippo

Kenan suggests the Saturn Sky, highlighting its appeal despite the brand's struggles:

“I thought the Saturn Sky was a very good car from a not very good brand.”
[65:08] Kenan

b. Cars Unfairly Hated

Kenan champions the Porsche LFA, countering Doug's negative stance:

“I think that they are undervalued given how cool and special they are.”
[58:42] Filippo

Doug defends his criticism of the LFA, emphasizing his personal dislike:

“I absolutely freak. Like, it’s just so insane looking and so ridiculous.”
[62:55] Doug

c. Enthusiasts’ Downfall on Minis

Filippo attributes the decline in Mini’s reputation to shifting consumer expectations and brand evolution:

“People expected more. They expected it to be super focused on sportiness, super small... and now it’s not meeting expectations.”
[72:00] Filippo

Doug and Kenan discuss reliability issues and changing market perceptions:

“My car has been very reliable.”
[72:35] Kenan

d. Ineos Grenadier Sales Decline

Doug critiques the Ineos Grenadier’s market performance despite significant discounts:

“I think that it's very overpriced... They have a hard time finding buyers.”
[74:16] Doug

Filippo remains cautiously optimistic about its longevity:

“It's not a bad product, but longevity will be tough.”
[75:05] Filippo

e. Popemobile Choice

Filippo proposes the Ford Explorer Sport Track as a suitable Popemobile due to its capacity and potential for customization:

“It already has the bed to add a platform, like a glass platform onto.”
[78:50] Filippo

Doug humorously agrees, noting the vehicle’s American roots:

“You're all set... Friends can meet you with a Rivian.”
[79:15] Doug

Notable Quotes:

• Filippo on Rivian’s EV Credits Decline:
  “...they can't really sell like EV credits anymore...”
  [01:19]

• Kenan on Jaguar’s Financial Turnaround:
  “In three years as CEO, he took Jaguar Land Rover from heavily bleeding money to being an actually profitable company.”
  [09:03]

• Doug on Corvette's Nurburgring Success:
  “The ZR1X did a 649:275 which is blisteringly fast.”
  [21:04]

• Filippo on Mini’s Reputation Decline:
  “People expected more. They expected it to be super focused on sportiness, super small...”
  [72:00]

Conclusion

In this episode, Doug DeMuro and his friends delve deep into the current automotive landscape, examining the financial struggles of electric vehicle companies like Rivian, leadership shifts within traditional automakers, and the competitive spirit of American manufacturers exemplified by Chevrolet's Corvette. They also share personal anecdotes from their automotive adventures, engage with listener questions, and provide insightful market analysis on classic vehicles. The discussion seamlessly blends industry news with personal experiences, offering listeners both information and entertainment.

Note: Advertisements and sponsorship messages within the transcript have been omitted to maintain focus on content-based discussions.