THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!
Episode: Lamborghini Cancels Its EV! Ferrari Manual Comeback? Doug Predicts the Future.
Date: February 27, 2026
Overview
In their milestone 100th episode, Doug DeMuro, Filippo, and Nick dive deep into the latest breaking automotive news, including Lamborghini’s surprising halt on its electric car plans, speculation over the return of Ferrari manuals, and a slew of car market trends. The trio celebrates their centennial episode with signature banter, a round of predictions (“Doug Predicts”), and a lively Q&A segment from the podcast’s passionate listener community.
The discussion oscillates between enthusiast nostalgia, genuine market insights, and characteristically irreverent humor, making the episode as entertaining as it is informative.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
1. The Lincoln Bronco & the Off-Road Luxury Trend
[01:05–07:06]
- Doug’s “I Told You So”: Doug takes pride in having predicted Lincoln’s move to make a Bronco-based luxury SUV, likening it to the Mercedes G-Wagon trend.
- “I'm brilliant and always correct.” (Doug, 02:46)
- Luxury Off-Road Dilemma: The panel wonders if Lincoln can successfully luxury-up the Bronco’s utilitarian roots. Filippo notes, “It's competitive for what it is, but it's not [luxury].” (04:09)
- Likely Approach: Expect a four-door, Bronco-based Lincoln with more comfort, but likely without removable doors/roof.
- Price & Platform Talk: A Lincoln Bronco could start in the $70–80k range. Questions over whether it will use existing Explorer/Navigator/Aviator platforms, or a heavily revised Bronco chassis.
- Comparison: They draw parallels to failed luxury pickups (Blackwood) and successful luxury SUVs (Navigator, G-Wagon).
2. Doug Predicts: Will Ferrari Bring Back the Manual?
[07:27–07:50]
- Doug reiterates his belief that Ferrari will eventually offer a manual transmission again, despite industry trends.
- “Doug predicts that Ferrari comes out with a manual transmission. That's the next one I've been predicting.” (Doug, 07:41)
3. Lamborghini Cancels Its EV—Branding, Strategy, and the EV Supercar Debate
[07:58–11:17]
- Lamborghini’s Move: Following enigmatic CEO statements, Lamborghini cancels pursuit of a luxury EV, citing lack of “emotional connection.”
- “It does not have the specific emotional connection that we want with our customers.” (Nick, 08:00)
- Brand Implications: Lambo distinguishes itself from Ferrari (who is moving forward with an electric "Apple iPad" station wagon), capitalizing on their V12 and enthusiast image.
- “When I was a kid, Ferrari was for connoisseurs, Lamborghini was for poser idiots. Now, maybe the enthusiast is more the Lamborghini buyer.” (Doug, 09:06)
- Industry-wide Failures: Most EV supercars have not been commercial successes; Lamborghini’s call seen as “boss move.”
- Parent Company Dynamics: Lambo benefits from Volkswagen Group’s R&D; Ferrari is swimming alone but has “more money than God.” (10:53)
4. Audi RS5 Avant: Is It (Not) Coming to the US? Doug’s Market Analysis
[11:26–19:27]
- Rumors swirl, but Doug predicts the enthusiast-favorite RS5 Avant will absolutely come to the US, as the RS6 did.
- “Audi created the demand for this RS6 after years of being like, no, nobody wants it. Well, guess what, we do want it.” (Doug, 12:01)
- Debate over RS4 discontinuation, segment demand, and the “wagon gap” in the US.
- Nick vows to buy one if Audi brings it over—pending a good financing deal.
5. The Baby G-Wagon and Diluting Icons
[19:29–22:59]
- Mercedes’ upcoming “baby G” spotted testing, likely with hybrid and full-gas powertrains.
- Discussion around “brand dilution”: Will a small G hurt the big G’s status, like the Range Rover Sport or Porsche Cayman’s relationship to their “full-fat” siblings?
- “People are going to see these and laugh at them. Just like people have been laughing at the baby versions of real cars since the dawn of time.” (Doug, 21:02)
- Consensus: Smart business move, but could water down the icon’s appeal.
6. Mazda Miata NE / Electrification Challenges
[23:14–26:49]
- Confirmation from Mazda Europe: the next-gen Miata (“NE”) will be electrified, likely as a hybrid—not a full EV.
- Worries about weight gain, loss of simplicity, and retaining the car’s essence.
- “How is it possible that you stay true to your roots and go hyper?” (Doug, 23:37)
- Parallels to hybrid Porsche 911s, but Miata’s core values make adaptation tricky.
- Manual hybrid tech is possible: Honda did it with CRZ and Insight.
7. The End of Manual BMWs
[27:01–30:44]
- BMW won’t develop any new manual transmissions post-current generation; future BMWs will be automatic-only.
- “The manual transmission is dying. It is whimpering.” (Doug, 28:51)
- Technical limitations: manual parts can only reliably handle up to ~406 lb-ft torque.
- Advice: Buy and preserve the last of the manual M3/M2s now for collector value.
8. Corvette ZR1X & Evolution of the American Supercar
[32:06–36:59]
- The new ZR1X: 1,250 hp, 8.67-second quarter-mile, visually distinguished only by a badge.
- C8 Corvette’s ongoing market strength, residual value, and reputation compared to “old” Corvettes.
- “The C8 Corvette is the greatest car. So good.” (Doug, 34:55; Filippo, 34:56)
9. Market Miscellany
[37:13–42:07]
- Aston Martin layoffs: blamed on tariffs and AI, but hosts peg the issue on weak lineup (DBX, etc.) and lack of adaptation.
- Electric Lucid SUVs to be built in the Middle East first.
- Chrysler “redesigns” Pacifica minivan—hosts seem unimpressed, reliability still in question.
- Tesla Cybertruck “price drop” lasts just nine days as a PR move.
10. The Fate of the “Frunk”
[43:37–45:51]
- Ford Mach-E's frunk (front trunk) is now a paid option after Ford discovers 94% of buyers never use it.
- “Truly, 94% of people don't use the front trunk.” (Doug, 45:23)
- Panel supports the idea; cost and practicality outweigh enthusiast nostalgia.
11. Nostalgia, “BS Cars,” and Growing Out of Junkers
[47:49–56:57]
- Doug broke down in traffic recently—discusses how reliability has made breakdown etiquette vanish.
- Nick sells his quirky Fiat Multipla and reflects: “I am off of BS cars. That was not worth the effort nor money. No offense, Anthony. Enjoy it.” (54:30)
- All three discuss moving on to higher-quality or more “meaningful” cars—Nick pledges “Nothing less than 8 cylinders and less than 400 horsepower” (54:48) going forward.
12. The “Screen Ruins Everything” Debate
[59:22–62:04]
- Mazda CX-5’s new touchscreen system angers purists, but Doug insists consumers want and expect screens over clunky controller knobs.
- “Here's what I've learned. People want the screen. … That is what actual consumer human beings want to purchase who are buying new cars with their own money.” (Doug, 60:12)
- Panel agrees: screens are here to stay, even if enthusiasts gripe on YouTube.
Notable Quotes & Meme Moments
- On the Lincoln Bronco
“Making a Lincoln version of the Bronco is going to be hard. The G Wagon is purpose-built… the Bronco is not a luxury car.” (Doug, 03:50)
- On the End of BMW Manuals
“The manual transmission is dying. It is whimpering.” (Doug, 28:51)
- On EV Supercars
“Ferrari has more money than literally God. God comes to Franklin.” (Doug, 10:53)
- On ‘Fake’ Entry-Level Icons:
“People are going to see these and laugh at them. Just like people have been laughing at the baby versions of real cars since the dawn of time.” (Doug, 21:02)
- On Breaking Down:
“The concept of breaking down has disappeared completely from automobiles.” (Doug, 48:44)
- On User Comments:
“No R&D department at Mazda or any manufacturer should be using YouTube comments for their user research.” (Nick, 62:54)
Timestamps of Major Segments
| Timestamp | Topic |
|------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01:05 | Show intro, 100th episode celebration jokes |
| 01:25-07:06| Lincoln Bronco, luxury off-road SUVs |
| 07:27 | Doug Predicts: Ferrari Manual Comeback |
| 07:58 | Lamborghini cancels its EV |
| 11:26-19:27| Audi RS5 Avant US speculation, market trends |
| 19:29 | Baby G-Wagon, brand dilution talk |
| 23:14 | Mazda Miata NE electrification |
| 27:01 | The last BMW manuals, torque limits |
| 32:06 | ZR1X Corvette trivia and discussion |
| 34:55 | C8 Corvette legacy and market review |
| 37:13 | Aston Martin layoffs and UK tariff talk |
| 43:37 | Mach-E frunk is now a paid option |
| 47:49 | Breaking down in modern cars, etiquette lost |
| 54:30 | Nick swears off “BS cars” for good |
| 59:22 | Mazda screen backlash vs. real-world demand |
| 66:53 | Doug seeks the “unicorn” E55 wagon with 3rd row |
| 67:20 | GTR values defy depreciation, enthusiast talk |
| 69:02 | Listener Q&A: favorite moments, Ferrari California |
| 81:06 | Common car misconceptions (safety, insurance myths)|
| 81:39 | Best non-US police cars for America |
| 84:33 | What EVs would the hosts actually buy? |
| 88:04 | “Manliest man car”—muscle car discussion |
| 88:54 | Potential format changes, dream podcast guests |
Listener Q&A Highlights
-
Most Notorious Car Myths:
- “Back seats for insurance purposes” myth is labeled “the stupidest thing that people repeat.” (Doug, 79:12)
- “Lifetime fluids” and “big old cars are safer” myths, thoroughly debunked.
-
Best “Boomer Car” at a Bargain:
- Doug: “Split window” C2 Corvette, for beauty over experience.
- Nick: “67 Mustang” inherited from his dad.
- Filippo: Old Ford truck.
-
Ideal Non-US Police Car:
- Consensus for Toyota Crown or hybrid SUV, balancing durability, reliability, speed, and taxpayer frugality.
-
Would You Buy an EV, and Which?:
- Charge availability and long-range remain sticking points. Filippo leans toward the Lucid Air or next-gen hybrids; Doug and Nick stick to SUVs and “serious” cars, but ultimately haven’t pulled the trigger.
-
Manliest Non-Truck Car:
- American muscle cars take the crown: Charger Widebody, Demon, or Pontiac WS6 Trans Am.
Tone & Final Thoughts
True to the THIS CAR POD! style, Doug and friends blend deep-cut automotive knowledge, insider anecdotes, and self-deprecating humor. The episode spotlights both the hinge points and idiosyncrasies of today’s car market and enthusiast culture—sometimes celebrating inflation-proof icons (GTR, C8 Corvette), sometimes mourning the demise of manuals and “cheap fun” cars. All the while, the trio maintains a winking optimism for what’s next in the ever-evolving car world.
For both the die-hard car geek and the casual fan, this 100th episode is a snapshot of the moments, myths, and market shifts shaping the future of driving.
Want your question answered? Go to the “community tab” at carsandbids.com and ask away for future episodes!