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

Episode: Maserati Is Doomed. Trump Selling His Tesla on Cars & Bids? $45K for an E46 M3?
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Hosts: Kenan and Nick (Guest: Nick DeMuro)
Description: In this episode, Kenan and his friend Nick dive deep into the latest automotive news, analyze market trends, and engage in passionate discussions about beloved car brands and models.

1. BMW 5 Series Dominates European Markets

Kenan opens the episode by highlighting BMW's impressive Q1 production numbers, where the 5 Series outperformed competitors by selling 20,402 units across Europe. This figure surpasses the combined sales of Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and S6, Volvo S80, and Lexus ES.

• Kenan [00:10]: "In Europe, they sold 20,402 units, which is substantially more than all of the other competitors sold together."

Nick expresses skepticism regarding the 5 Series' aesthetics, aligning with enthusiast opinions but acknowledging its market success.

• Nick [01:15]: "I agree with the enthusiasts. I hate it. It's awful."

Despite critical reception from purists, the market's strong performance suggests a robust demand for the model, particularly in regions where sedans remain popular.

2. Maserati's Struggles and Potential Demise

The conversation shifts to Maserati, with both hosts expressing concern over the brand's declining sales. Nick emphasizes the dire situation, predicting Maserati's potential demise by the end of the year.

• Nick [02:59]: "The brand is pretty cool. Like, I have a soft spot in my heart for Maserati, but... I think the brand is going to die."

Kenan remarks on Maserati's recent lineup, noting that while the MC20 was a bold attempt, overall, the company's strategy has backfired with poor sales figures.

• Kenan [02:06]: "I think we've sold more Maseratis on cars and bids than they sold the company in general for the Ghibli. It's insane."

Their analysis concludes that without a significant turnaround, Maserati may soon be cut from Stellantis' portfolio.

3. Ferrari's Upcoming Models and Trademark Moves

Kenan and Nick delve into Ferrari’s strategic moves, particularly the registration of new trademarks for forthcoming models, hinting at Ferrari's expansion despite delays in introducing an electric vehicle.

• Kenan [05:29]: "Now they have a lot of names to register though, as we know."

Nick expresses excitement over Ferrari potentially rekindling its motorsport heritage, especially with rumors surrounding a manual transmission successor to the F40.

• Nick [07:34]: "And it better be supercharged if you're going to go SC."

They discuss the balance Ferrari seeks between honoring its legacy and innovating for the future, with emphasis on maintaining brand prestige.

4. Porsche's 963 RSP: A Nod to Racing Heritage

Porsche's release of the 963 RSP, a road-going version of the legendary 917, is dissected by the hosts. They appreciate its homage to Porsche's racing past while questioning its practicality.

• Kenan [07:34]: "They built this one for Roger Penske. Now, Roger Penske is 88 years old."

Nick draws parallels between Porsche's limited releases and other manufacturers' exclusive models, highlighting the uniqueness and collector appeal.

• Nick [09:19]: "It's wild that they're doing this. Can you believe that, like, that's on the road?"

5. Aston Martin's Valkyrie LM and High-Performance Innovations

Aston Martin's ambitious project to produce 10 Valkyrie LM models, designed for Le Mans, becomes a focal point of discussion. The hosts commend the brand's commitment to extreme performance and exclusivity.

• Kenan [10:41]: "But this is a... I just love that manufacturers are doing crazy stuff like this."

Nick underscores the Valkyrie LM's appeal to ultra-wealthy enthusiasts seeking unparalleled performance and uniqueness.

• Nick [13:06]: "It's really cool. I think this is the future for Aston."

6. Jaguar's Rebranding Challenges and Future Outlook

Nick provides a critical analysis of Jaguar's recent rebranding efforts, suggesting that the shift towards high-priced electric vehicles has backfired, resulting in negative publicity and diminishing brand appeal.

• Nick [15:23]: "They had this disastrous rebrand... All of it was negative publicity."

Kenan concurs, expressing doubt over Jaguar's ability to recover from its current struggles amidst a challenging EV market.

7. Trump Selling His Tesla on Cars & Bids

The hosts touch upon the news of former President Trump's decision to sell his Tesla via the Cars & Bids platform. They humorously debate the logistics and potential success of such a unique sale.

• Kenan [18:47]: "Trump has said that he's going to sell his Tesla... He should sell it here."

Nick speculates on the desirability of Trump's Tesla, comparing it to niche market successes they've witnessed.

• Nick [19:58]: "But not all. So there are."

8. Nick's Car Projects: Manual Conversion of a Lamborghini Murcielago

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Nick’s personal project of converting his Lamborghini Murcielago from an automatic transmission to a manual one. He details the challenges, costs, and potential market value post-conversion.

• Nick [21:23]: "I've had the Mercy now two and a half years... It is done."

Kenan supports the endeavor, noting the enthusiasm among enthusiasts for manual transmissions, despite practical drawbacks.

• Kenan [23:05]: "I think your reasoning makes a lot of sense."

They discuss the meticulous process involved and the potential benefits of such customizations for driving experience and resale value.

9. Notable Sales and Market Insights on Cars & Bids

Kenan and Nick highlight significant sales from the Cars & Bids platform, emphasizing the vibrant market for classic and modified vehicles. Noteworthy mentions include:

• Porsche 964: Kenan shares a success story of restoring and reselling a Porsche 964, contrasting his experience with another buyer who faced extensive repair costs.

• E46 M3: A modified E46 M3 sold for $45,000, illustrating strong demand for well-maintained and enhanced sports cars.

• Mercedes Black Series Models: The hosts engage in a lively debate ranking various Mercedes Black Series models, reflecting passionate opinions on the brand's high-performance variants.

10. Audience Q&A: Enthusiast Discussions and Hypotheticals

The episode concludes with an engaging Q&A segment where Kenan and Nick tackle hypothetical scenarios and listener inquiries. Highlights include:

• Filippo's Million-Dollar Car Garage: Imagining the perfect car collection for Filippo based on his preferences and practicality.

• Single-Car Garage for Doug: Debating the ideal all-around vehicle for Doug, considering his need for versatility and off-road capability.

• CDs for a Road Trip Without Streaming: Sharing favorite albums and music preferences for long drives, revealing personal tastes and driving habits.

• Pre-Owned Vehicle Purchase Decision: Comparing the merits of buying a 5-year-old car with 40,000 miles versus a 1-year-old car with 90,000 miles, stressing the importance of maintenance history over mere mileage.

• Ranking Lamborghini and Mercedes Models: Ranking special editions and performance models based on design, performance, and exclusivity, showcasing differing tastes and priorities.

Conclusion

Kenan and Nick wrap up the episode with reflections on the dynamic automotive landscape, underscoring the challenges faced by traditional brands in evolving markets and celebrating enthusiast-driven projects and sales successes. Their candid discussions, enriched with personal anecdotes and expert insights, provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of current trends and passionate opinions within the car community.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenan [01:15]: "…the market disagrees. People are buying these cars."

• Nick [02:07]: "Maserati Ghibli: 51 units."

• Nick [07:34]: "And it better be supercharged if you're going to go SC."

• Kenan [10:05]: "They built it... never say never. There could be cars like the CLK GTR and the GT1 that come back."

• Nick [21:23]: "I've had the Mercy now two and a half years... It is done."

• Kenan [23:05]: "I think your reasoning makes a lot of sense."

• Nick [15:23]: "They had this disastrous rebrand... All of it was negative publicity."

• Kenan [05:15]: "They said they were going to produce a certain number of special cars, and they did."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and insights while providing valuable information for both regular listeners and newcomers to the podcast.