Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!
Episode: Nissan Sent WHAT to Doug? BMW's Biggest Mistake! Every Mustang Ranked!
Release Date: May 16, 2025
1. Introduction to the Special Episode
In this special episode of THIS CAR POD!, guest hosts Kenan and Filippo step in as Doug DeMuro is unavailable. Instead of the usual news segments, the trio dedicates the entire episode to answering listener-submitted questions, offering a deep dive into various automotive topics.
2. Doug's Unexpected Gift from Nissan
Doug DeMuro shares a surprising gift he received from Nissan, sparking an engaging conversation about brand relationships and promotional items.
- Doug DeMuro [02:10]: "Nissan sends me this letter and I simply can't say no because they sent me... the single stupidest thing I've ever heard of in my life."
Doug reveals that Nissan gifted him a Nissan Z Nismo Precision Sushi Knife, a limited-edition item featuring the iconic Z logo. Despite his usual reluctance to accept gifts from automakers, Doug felt compelled to accept due to the uniqueness of the gift.
- Filippo [04:17]: "There's a chef involved... it's a collab between them and Chef Hiroyuki Terada."
The sushi knife, limited to 240 units, serves as a tribute to the original 240Z, though Doug humorously criticizes its practicality and design.
- Kenan [05:12]: "Filippo recognizes quality when he hears it."
The trio discusses the craftsmanship and limited availability, highlighting the niche appeal of such promotional items. Doug concludes that while he doesn't typically accept these gifts, this particular gesture showcases how Nissan values his contribution to their brand story.
3. Audience Questions Segment
In this Q&A session, Kenan and Filippo tackle a series of listener questions, providing insightful and often spirited discussions on various automotive topics.
a. Ranking Every Generation of Range Rover [12:07]
Question: Rank every generation of Range Rover.
- Doug DeMuro [12:36]: "The P38 is probably my favorite Range Rover, to be perfectly honest. But it is so raucously badly built that you can't put it as Anything other than last."
Despite initial enthusiasm for the P38 model's design and seating, the consensus turns to issues with build quality and reliability, relegating it to the lowest rank.
- Kenan [15:02]: "I'm putting the fifth gen Range Rover wagon second plus."
Filippo and Kenan argue over the merits of different generations, focusing on factors like build reliability, performance, and design evolution. They ultimately agree that while some models stand out, others fall short due to various shortcomings.
- Doug DeMuro [22:45]: "The P38 has timing chain issues, air suspension failures, and other electronic problems."
The discussion underscores the challenges Range Rover has faced with newer models, balancing design appeal with practical reliability.
b. Ranking All Generations of Mustang [64:27]
Question: Rank all generations of the Mustang.
The conversation delves into the rich history of the Mustang, analyzing each generation's impact and legacy.
- Kenan [65:42]: "The first generation transformed American cars. It was one of the greatest names ever given to a new car."
The first generation is celebrated for its iconic status and transformative influence on the American automotive landscape.
- Doug DeMuro [65:49]: "The S197 changed the Mustang's look forever. It went back to retro styling and improved quality and desirability."
The S197 model, introduced in the mid-2000s, is highlighted as a pivotal moment that revitalized the Mustang's appeal, balancing modern advancements with nostalgic design elements.
- Filippo [73:04]: "I think the S650 is not a bad car. I'm just disappointed by the lack of improvement."
While acknowledging the strengths of newer models, Filippo expresses disappointment over perceived stagnation in design and performance enhancements.
The trio ultimately ranks the generations based on factors like performance, design evolution, and cultural impact, with a general consensus favoring the classic and revitalized models over recent iterations.
4. Additional Discussions and Insights
Beyond the primary questions, Kenan and Filippo engage in various tangents, offering their perspectives on other automotive matters:
a. Floor Pricing for Previous Gen AMG GT [19:35]
A discussion on the resale value of the AMG GT series, noting a significant depreciation trend:
- Doug DeMuro [20:01]: "This car has 14,000 miles and sold for $63,000. This is a bona fide exotic car."
They examine market trends, questioning how low the prices for these models can drop given their performance and desirability.
b. Future of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cars [48:40]
Exploring the longevity of ICE cars in the market:
- Doug DeMuro [50:12]: "I think it's going to take an enormous amount of time for them to be gone."
The hosts debate the feasibility and timeline for ICE cars becoming obsolete, considering technological advancements and market dependencies.
c. Ideal Halo Cars for Manufacturers [52:42]
Question: Which car manufacturer that makes regular cars would you most want to see create a halo car?
- Kenan [59:12]: "I think Honda should build an exceptional halo car."
They discuss the qualities that make a halo car successful, emphasizing the importance of blending performance, reliability, and brand heritage.
d. Best US State for Car Spotting [58:15]
Question: What is the best US State for car spotting that isn't California, Florida, Montana?
- Doug DeMuro [63:46]: "Connecticut in the summer or north of New York, like Westchester, Rye, that whole area north of New York."
Suggestions focus on regions with affluent areas and car enthusiast communities, highlighting spots beyond the typical hotspots.
5. Concluding Thoughts
Kenan and Filippo wrap up the episode by reflecting on the challenging questions and their passionate discussions about automotive history and trends. They emphasize the importance of community input and look forward to returning to their regular podcast format in the next episode.
- Kenan [73:41]: "This was really hard, but it's a great discussion."
- Filippo [75:00]: "Thank you for the questions. We'll be back to the normal pod next week."
Notable Quotes
- Doug DeMuro [02:10]: "This is the single stupidest thing I've ever heard of in my life. I must accept it."
- Filippo [04:17]: "There's a collab between them and Chef Hiroyuki Terada."
- Kenan [15:02]: "I'm putting the fifth gen Range Rover wagon second plus."
- Doug DeMuro [65:49]: "The S197 changed the Mustang's look forever."
- Filippo [73:04]: "I'm just disappointed by the lack of improvement."
- Doug DeMuro [50:12]: "I think it's going to take an enormous amount of time for them to be gone."
This episode of THIS CAR POD! offers a rich and engaging exploration of automotive history, trends, and enthusiast perspectives, providing valuable insights for both longtime fans and newcomers to the automotive world.
