THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends

Episode: “New Lexus LFA is Disappointing. Ferrari Says No Manuals! Worst New Car on the Market?”
Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Doug DeMuro | Guests: Gary, Filippo, Kenan

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode dives into major recent automotive news, focusing on Toyota & Lexus's next big sports cars (including the new "LFA" and the eagerly anticipated GR GT), shifting industry attitudes toward performance and manual transmissions (with Ferrari dropping the manual), Lotus’s SUV missteps, quirky import news, and in-depth car market musings. There’s also the classic THIS CAR POD blend of sharp skepticism, humorous sidebars, and audience Q&A.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Toyota/Lexus GR GT and "New LFA" – Excitement or Disappointment?

• Specs & Comparisons
  • The GR GT is speculated to have a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, "hot V" engine configuration, ~640 hp (01:18).
  • Expected pricing is “in the six figures,” possibly even $300,000 for the Toyota, with the Lexus version (projected to be EV-only) aimed at $350k or under (01:38, 04:59).
  • Compared to Mercedes-AMG GT, Aston Martin Vantage S, GTR, etc.
• Styling Feedback
  • Hosts are underwhelmed by the design, expecting "smoother" lines like the LC or Supra, but instead finding it boxy and angular (02:03–02:55).
  • Quote: “I was astonished when this was revealed. It looks purposeful, but I thought it would be a smoother design ... Supra has like a very smooth design language.” — Gary (02:03)
• Performance Commitment
  • Despite aesthetics, they're impressed Toyota is building real rear-drive, V8-powered sports cars, aligning it as Toyota's "Ford GT"—a mainstream brand with a supercar (03:16, 05:41).
  • Racing plans noted—there will be a GT3 customer racing variant (03:05).
• Market Doubts (Lexus EV variant)
  • “If they're going to do an EV Lexus one, there will be no interest in it. It will not sell and no one will care about it." — Doug (05:05)
• On Toyota's shift:
  • Hosts celebrate Toyota’s ability to make fun cars as a reward for “eating their vegetables” (08:50).
    • Quote: “They did their homework, they ate their vegetables and now they can have fun.” — Kenan (08:50)

2. Toyota MR2 Revival – Could This Be the BEST New Sports Car?

• Trademark filings for "GR MR2" suggest a new mid-engine, 400hp turbo-four Toyota, possibly with a manual (06:23–07:11).
• Hopes the car fills a niche vacated by Lotus, Alfa 4C, Porsche Boxster, offering a true enthusiast alternative (06:58, 07:50).
• Emphasis on Toyota's commitment: all current sports models (Supra, GR86, GR Corolla) have manuals (08:02).
• Discussion whether they’d “buy anything else” if this hits the spec (06:58).
  • Quote: “Why do you buy a Lotus? Like you start to wonder why do you buy anything else? Yeah, that's very appealing if they do that.” — Kenan (06:58)

3. Ferrari, Hamilton, and the “F44” Future Flop

• Ferrari has reportedly canceled/shelved the F44 (an homage to the F40) project with Lewis Hamilton due to a disappointing season and frosty relations (09:45–10:29).
• Hamilton’s lackluster season and mood at Ferrari cast doubt on future projects, even as the F1 rule changes approach (10:29–11:15).
• No Ferrari manual transmissions on horizon.
• Entertaining banter about the drivers’ ages and Lewis’s future at Ferrari (12:51–13:37).
  • Quote: “Nobody in the future of the entirety of Formula 1 who was alive while the Infiniti J30 was in production, will ever win championship ever again. Mark my words.” — Doug (13:42)

4. Weird & Notable Import News

Fiat Topolino (17:00)

• Announced for US market, after political interest in cute kei cars (16:30–16:41).
• It's a tiny, low-range city EV (8 hp/47 miles WLTP), more a “neighborhood EV” than an actual car (17:43).
• Amusing speculation about regulation hurdles and the US safety/environment context—hosts semi-seriously call for deregulating imports (18:09–18:33).

INEOS Grenadier Game Viewer (19:06)

• Safari vehicle (long-wheelbase Grenadier) to be built in Botswana for VIP African safari fleets (19:09–20:08).
• The group argues Toyota 70-series remains king of the bush, with Ineos serving a niche luxury crowd only (20:22–20:36).

Lotus Eletre: $250,000 SUV Disaster? (22:34)

• Lotus’s electric SUV, made in China, now crosses $240k thanks to tariffs.
• Expecting plug-in-hybrid versions with up to 940hp.
• Market response is tepid: “Is this the least desirable $243,000 car?” — Doug (23:23)
• Quote: “Lotus took a risk and it really failed.” — Filippo (25:01)
• General sense Lotus’s move away from lightweight heritage to luxury EV SUVs is off-brand and will flop in the US due to tariff and lack of prestige (24:29).

5. Design House Drama: Italdesign Sold to AI Company

• Audi/Lamborghini offloaded Italdesign to "UST", an Orange County-based AI conglomerate (26:33–28:22).
• Hosts lament one of history’s great design houses (original Golf, BMW M1, Lotus Esprit, DeLorean, etc.) being reduced to “AI errors.”
• Quote: “Italdesign: The history, the grand history ... They're now an AI company in Aliso Viejo.” — Doug (28:29)

6. Car Market Report: Sales, Trends & Oddities

Hagerty “Bull Market” List Reflections (28:51)

• Discussing Hagerty’s annual list—a “Grammy for best new artist” where predictions don’t always pan out.
  • Carrera GT predicted to rise ("the greatest car ever made"), but hosts joke about spurious F1 engine claims (30:48).
• Debates over what makes a good value/classic.

Supra, Cybertruck, R35 GT-R

• Supra Mk4 fixed-roof, one-owner: Market still strong, comparison with NSX and other JDM legends, ironic post-Fast & Furious values (52:07–53:39).
• Cybertruck market slide: $61k (and sinking), predicted to hit $35k in 18 months: “This is the Hummer H2 of the modern era.” — Doug (55:02).
• R35 GT-R: Enduring desirability, holds value, culture/robustness, production stats (55:52–58:52).

Mega Cruiser, GTC4Lusso, Manual Cayenne

• Mega Cruiser: $115k for a rare civilian; market softer for high-roof/military variants. Cars & Bids “Mega Cruiser HQ”. (61:23–63:16)
• Ferrari GTC4Lusso: V12 model sells for $246k—outperforms similar cars on rival sites (63:24).
• Manual Cayenne: Wild over-market values, $125k green 6-speed followed by $70k result. Porsche anomaly now a Cars & Bids specialty (65:47–67:58).

7. Ownership Stories and Car Updates

• Doug’s Countach: Recent breakdown; new clutch master fixed after a 150k (2025 money) service was found not to have replaced the part (34:35–35:32).
  • Quote: "It was 25 years ago. It was either original or even older." — Doug (35:18)
• 993 running issues: “3,000 miles in 60 days” led to some mechanical gremlins, but nothing major (36:52–37:13).
• Filippo’s stealth car acquisition: Hints at a high-likelihood purchase, plus inheriting a late 1970s F250 pickup—debates about how to tow/restore/smog it in California (39:43–43:53).
• Anecdotes: Towing tales, desert adventures, tales of laundry batteries, quirky car care methods.

8. Listener Questions

Notable Moments

• Concept car auctions: Listener claims to have bought a Renault concept at the recent factory auction—discuss wild results, question authenticity, “Why do we not live in France?” jokes (69:20–71:19).
• RS6 V10 vs M5 V10: Why does the BMW get more love? The team argues it’s due to US availability, the allure of the manual, and how quirks—like gear selectors—impact perception (72:31–75:36).
• Doug Sember Video Backlog: Discussion of how long Doug has sat on videos for maximum December ad revenue, with jokes about the never-released Saturn SL footage (75:55–78:46).
• Forever Cars: Doug: “None of my cars are forever cars. They will all someday be sold... There is no such thing in my life as a forever car.” (79:49)
• G-Wagen Cabriolet Regrets: Doug bails on the new G-Cabrio idea: “I just know the level of real housewife that's going to own the convertible G wagon and I just cannot participate. I'm out.” (82:24)
• Motorcycles: Most hosts say they appreciate bikes but won’t touch them, mainly for safety/family reasons (83:03–84:45).
• Enthusiast Wagons: Listener asks about Aston Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake. Doug says at $400k he won’t, but would jump in if it hits ~$225k, calls it one of the few automatics he’d ever consider as a 'fun' car (87:20).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the new Lexus LFA:
  “If they're going to do an EV Lexus one, there will be no interest in it. It will not sell and no one will care about it.” — Doug (05:05)
• On Toyota’s resurgence:
  “They did their homework, they ate their vegetables and now they can have fun.” — Kenan (08:50)
• Cybertruck’s fate:
  “This is the Hummer H2 of the modern era.” — Doug (55:02)
• On forever cars:
  “None of my cars are forever cars. They will all someday be sold.” — Doug (79:49)
• On manual Cayenne madness:
  “In either scenario, this is a $25,000 car, but Porsche people are Porsche people, and they'll pay up.” — Doug (65:47)
• On letting go:
  “It simply loses the main thing that attracted me to it, which is the enjoyment factor.” — Doug, on possibly selling the Carrera GT someday (81:12)
• Design house melancholy:
  “Italdesign: The history, the grand history ... They're now an AI company in Aliso Viejo.” — Doug (28:29)
• Playful complaint:
  "I want to be clear, Filippo. We know stand. It's not for you." — Doug (36:26)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Toyota GR GT, specs & reactions: 01:04–03:41
• Lexus LFA EV & market prospects: 04:59–05:31
• Toyota MR2/GR speculation: 06:23–08:22
• Ferrari, Hamilton & F44 rumor: 09:45–12:11
• Lotus Eletre, market critique: 22:34–25:01
• Italdesign AI sale: 26:33–28:32
• Hagerty “Bull Market” list: 28:51–30:52
• Manual Cayenne price insanity: 65:47–67:58
• Listener owns Renault concept: 69:20–71:19
• RS6 V10 vs E60 M5 debate: 72:31–75:36
• Doug on ‘forever cars’ myth: 79:49–81:12
• G-Wagen Cabrio decision: 82:24
• Motorcycles and risk: 83:03–84:45
• Aston Martin Zagato Q: 86:29–88:05

Summary Flow & Tone

The episode features the trademark sharp, playful banter between hosts, ranging from giddy enthusiasm (Toyota’s new sports cars) to biting skepticism (the fate of Lotus, Italdesign, and certain luxury SUVs), to self-aware collector confessions. It closes with a blend of heartfelt audience engagement, practical advice (and roastings), and plenty of winking car-nerd in-jokes. Fans of both automotive market oddities and “deep cut” car culture will be delighted.

For those short on time:
If you want the core takes:

• Toyota is surprisingly carrying the fun/sports car torch as others give up.
• Supercar and luxury SUV markets are full of overreaches and downward spirals—Lotus, Lexus, Cadillac.
• Enthusiast cars with a quirk or rarity (manual Cayenne, Mega Cruiser, rare Ferraris) keep smashing expectations, especially on Cars & Bids.
• The allure of the “forever car” is romantic, but for these hosts, every car is for sale... given the right number.

And if you have a rare manual Cayenne or Mega Cruiser for sale—Doug & friends would really like to auction it!