Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends! Episode: NEW Shelby GT350 with over 800 Horsepower! Doug and His Problem with Porsche? Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of THIS CAR POD!, host Doug DeMuro, alongside his co-hosts Ken and Filippo, delves into the latest automotive news, shares personal insights, and responds to audience questions. The trio navigates through high-powered muscle cars, classic Ferrari restorations, BMW's technological shifts, Bentley's foray into the electric SUV market, Mazda's anniversary editions, and Infiniti's strategic changes. Additionally, Doug opens up about his true automotive preferences, challenging listener assumptions.

News Segment

1. The New Shelby GT350: A Powerhouse Redefined

[00:41] Doug introduces the latest Shelby GT350, a significant departure from its predecessors. Unlike the beloved previous models with flat-plane crank V8s, the new GT350 is equipped with a supercharged Coyote V8, boasting an impressive 810 horsepower.

[01:14] Ken highlights the drastic increase in horsepower compared to the old GT500's 760 horsepower and the former GT350's roughly 560 horsepower, indicating a leapfrogging in performance metrics.

[02:23] Filippo points out the exclusivity of the "R" version, limited to only 36 units, emphasizing the car's rarity and specialized appeal.

Notable Quote:

• Ken [02:35]: "The GT350 as we know it is gone. It has morphed from a 500 horsepower car that Ford sells at 60 grand to a Shelby built special project that's going to cost $130,000 and have 800 horsepower."

2. Revamping a 30-Year-Old Ferrari F40

[05:19] Doug discusses a Modified Ferrari F40 by a company referred to as Fiorenti. This restomod includes upgraded dampers (Ohlins TTX36), Brembo brakes, larger wheels (18-inch front, 19-inch rear), and Michelin or Pirelli high-performance tires.

[07:03] Ken connects this modification to his own efforts with the Carrera GT, emphasizing the importance of modernizing suspension and brakes to enhance handling without altering the car's classic essence.

Notable Quote:

• Ken [07:03]: "I think if you want to enjoy analog cars in the modern era, the way to keep these cars fresh is to do this kind of stuff... My Carrera GT handles like a pista. It truly does now because of those upgrades."

3. BMW Eliminates Gesture Control and iDrive Controller

[08:35] The hosts express disappointment over BMW's decision to remove gesture control and the iDrive controller from their vehicles. Ken reminisces about the original introduction of iDrive in the E65 7 Series, acknowledging its rocky start but eventual refinement.

[10:18] Filippo notes the absence of announcements regarding features like the self-healing grill in the refreshed BMW IX, which was a notable innovation earlier.

Notable Quote:

• Ken [10:34]: "After 20 years, BMW says, you know what, you people were right all along."

4. Bentley's Entry into the Luxury Electric Urban SUV Market

[12:35] Doug elaborates on Bentley's announcement of the world's first luxury urban electric SUV, distinct from the rugged Bentayga. This vehicle is designed for city driving, with silent operation and high-end performance tailored for urban environments.

[14:06] Ken appreciates the logical shift for luxury manufacturers towards electric vehicles, citing the benefits of silence and instant performance, though he remains curious about its execution.

Notable Quote:

• Ken [15:13]: "It's not like it's taking away some sports car that we're missing out on. No, I am. I am still curious about execution."

5. Mazda Miata 35th Anniversary Edition

[15:31] Filippo introduces the 35th Anniversary Miata, a limited edition in dark red, available only as a manual and soft-top. Unlike the previous 30th anniversary edition, which featured significant upgrades like Brembo brakes and BBS wheels, this edition offers minimal enhancements.

[17:17] Ken laments the reduced special features compared to past editions, suggesting a dial-back in enthusiasm for annual special editions.

Notable Quote:

• Filippo [17:03]: "I spent a little bit of time on the Miata forums and people are a little bit disappointed that this doesn't have anything special."

6. Infiniti Discontinues QX50 and QX55 Models

[18:21] The hosts discuss Infiniti's decision to discontinue the QX50 and QX55 models, speculating on the brand's struggles within the luxury SUV market and its inability to compete effectively against giants like BMW and Audi.

[19:07] Ken expresses a grim outlook on Infiniti's future, suggesting that the discontinuation signals deeper issues within the brand.

Notable Quote:

• Ken [19:12]: "It's over. Over. There's no way Accurate. And Infinity both survive. Especially when if you really, really look at the numbers, probably neither of them should survive."

Talk Cars: Doug's Automotive Allegiances

Doug DeMuro: Not a Porsche Guy

In an unexpected revelation, Doug clarifies that despite owning two Porsches, he does not consider himself a "Porsche guy." He attributes this misconception to his brief stint working at Porsche and his genuine preference for Mercedes and Nissan vehicles.

[22:43] Doug explains his affinity for cars that offer daily driving enjoyment without sacrificing performance, positioning Porsches as exemplary in this balance.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug [23:40]: "I am actually secretly that no one accuses me of, but they should, is a Mercedes Benz guy."
• Ken [24:05]: "You do have the Courage GT but you also recommend Porsches a ton because honestly."

Emotional Connections to Cars

Doug shares his deep emotional attachment to his M5, explaining how it serves as a source of comfort and drives his connection to loved ones. He contrasts this with Ken's reservations about developing similar attachments.

[30:11] Doug emphasizes that his relationship with his cars is not merely rational but deeply sentimental, reinforcing his preferences.

Notable Quote:

• Doug [30:11]: "...it's the M5, but it says Ferrari on it."

Listener Questions and Responses

1. Presidential Limos and Dictators' Car Tastes

Question: "Which country has the best presidential limo? Which dictators presidents had the best taste in cars?"
Respondents: Ken, Filippo, and Doug discuss various presidential vehicles, highlighting Malta's use of the 735i and other nations' preferences for luxury sedans like the Mercedes Pullman. They reflect on the symbolism and functionality of these limos.

Notable Quote:

• Ken [51:20]: "We're walking through and parked there in like the main, you know, employee forecourt... that's the car that brings the Maltese President around."

2. Fun Weekend Car with 18 Months of M5 Maintenance Costs

Question: "If you were given 18 months of Canon's M5 maintenance cost to buy a car, what fun weekend car would you buy?"
Respondents: Ken suggests a Cobra or a 94 Miata, Doug leans towards high-performance options like the CT5V Blackwing with the caveat of emotional ties to his M5, and Filippo recommends options like the WRX STI Hatch.

Notable Quote:

• Doug [32:55]: "I would buy a 575 stick. Definitely with the handling package."

3. Working on Own Cars: Biggest Jobs

Question: "Have you guys ever worked on your own cars? If so, what is the biggest job you've ever done?"
Respondents: Ken and Doug share experiences, including motor swaps and extensive suspension work on the M5. Filippo mentions refurbishing his QX5, emphasizing DIY car maintenance and the learning curve involved.

Notable Quote:

• Doug [56:13]: "I've done a lot of work on the M5. A lot of bruised knuckles, a lot of cold ones, and a lot of swearing."

4. BMW Driving Simulator from Linus Tech Tips

Question: "Are we going to get an update on the Car driving simulator you got from Linus Tech Tips?"
Respondents: Filippo clarifies the situation humorously, hinting at ongoing technical integrations with their website rather than addressing the simulator directly.

Notable Quote:

• Filippo [37:00]: "You can buy it using this Stable coin."

5. Doug's Kia Stinger

Question: "Doug, when you talk about your previous cars, you never mentioned your Kia Stinger. Why?"
Respondents: Doug praises his former Kia Stinger, lamenting its sale and reminiscing about its performance and handling. Ken shares humorous anecdotes about their adventures with the Stinger.

Notable Quote:

• Doug [61:38]: "I sold it to a doctor in Wisconsin. I hope he has done a lot of surgeries with it."

6. Considering a Panamera Over a Cayenne

Question: "You are shopping for a Cayenne and you prefer cars over SUVs in general. Why are you not considering a Panamera?"
Respondents: Doug explains his preference for the practicality of the Cayenne in handling San Diego's rough roads, while Ken humorously counters the practicality with Porsche alternatives like the Taycan Sport Turismo.

Notable Quote:

• Doug [63:26]: "Having the ground clearance... was so liberating to me as someone who's only owned sedans and sports cars my whole life."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a lighthearted exchange between the hosts, reflecting on their diverse automotive journeys and the unique preferences that define their car choices. Doug's candid admission about not being a traditional Porsche enthusiast adds depth to the conversation, encouraging listeners to explore their own automotive affinities beyond popular stereotypes.

[65:50] Filippo humorously remarks on the podcast's unpredictable nature, while Ken expresses enthusiasm for future episodes.

Notable Quote:

• Ken [65:54]: "This is the best one podcast we've ever done. Goodbye, everyone."

Key Takeaways

• The new Shelby GT350 signifies a bold shift towards extreme horsepower, emphasizing Shelby's specialized craftsmanship.
• Classic models like the Ferrari F40 continue to receive modern enhancements, balancing heritage with performance.
• BMW's removal of gesture-based controls reflects broader trends in automotive technology and user experience expectations.
• Luxury brands like Bentley are embracing electrification to cater to urban markets, signaling shifts in consumer preferences.
• Limited edition releases, such as Mazda's Miata anniversaries, reveal the delicate balance between exclusivity and enhanced features.
• Infiniti's discontinuation of key SUV models underscores challenges within the competitive luxury automotive landscape.
• Personal disclosures about car preferences highlight the deep emotional connections enthusiasts form with their vehicles.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners—and those who haven't tuned in—with a thorough overview of the discussions, insights, and memorable moments shared by Doug DeMuro and his co-hosts.