THIS CAR POD!

Episode: Subaru STI Returns! New $3 Million Dollar Rolls-Royce, Forbidden GM EV1 Auction?

Hosts: Doug DeMuro, Kenan, Nick
Date: October 31, 2025

Overview

In this lively Halloween episode, Doug DeMuro and his co-hosts Kenan and Nick dive into a week packed with breaking automotive news, spirited debates, and personal anecdotes. Main topics include the preview of a new Subaru STI concept, the ultra-exclusive $3 million Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary, a rare GM EV1 surfacing in a public auction, and the enduring appeal (and pitfalls) of unique, enthusiast cars. The guys also recount their recent adventures—car shows, F1 races, and buying or selling dream machines—while answering thoughtful listener questions about the car world’s past, present, and future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Subaru STI Concept Car Return

[00:32–05:11]

• Subaru previewed a new STI concept at the Tokyo Motor Show; features include box fenders, rear arch treatment, a giant wing, manual transmission, and a hatchback body (“This is the STI that we've all wanted for many, many, many years.” —Doug, [03:38])
• Subaru’s decision not to sell hatchbacks or wagons in the US market since 2011 is called into question, especially given the success of the GR Corolla and resurgence of wagons.
• Discussion on Subaru’s hesitation: targeting family-oriented markets over enthusiasts.
• All wish for Subaru to fully revive the STI as a performance halo car.

Notable Quote:

"Subaru, if you're listening, do it, bring it here." —Kenan, [03:38]

2. GM’s “Eyes-Off” Super Cruise

[05:51–08:36]

• Announcement of General Motors’ upcoming “eyes-off” Super Cruise hands-free driving system; depicted by a driver watching TV with no hands or eyes on the road.
• Legal and liability hurdles discussed, with speculation GM’s mapping of roads and limited operational areas helps address these.
• Anticipation for hands-free freeway driving and potential impact for long-distance drivers.

Notable Quote:

“If GM does it... it would be really big for long haul drivers.” —Doug, [08:16]

3. Market Trends: Who’s Buying Giant Luxury EVs?

[08:43–10:12]

• Escalade IQ’s surprising popularity contrasted to the Hummer EV.
• Hosts humorously debate the real target market for giant electric luxury SUVs—are they bought for status, utility, or something else entirely?
• Side conversation about Range Rovers as the secret dream car of many Americans.

4. Infiniti’s Return to Sedans

[10:19–11:44]

• Infiniti announces a new sedan, despite recent cancellations of better-selling SUV models.
• All hosts are skeptical about the business logic, with predictions about Infiniti’s struggling future.

Notable Quote:

“I have a theory that Infiniti will not make it... we may not see 2030.” —Doug, [11:35]

5. GM EV1 Auctioned to Public

[13:47–18:53]

• The legendary 1990s GM EV1 electric car (which GM leased and later repossessed and crushed) surfaces at a Georgia auction, sells for $104,000.
• Discussion about how this is the first EV1 to enter private hands in decades and potential contractual or legal issues for the buyer.
• Hosts pitch YouTube restoration ideas, discuss the car’s quirks (e.g., keypad start, hand-drawn owner’s manual).
• Pondering its collector value, urging someone to restore and share the car with the enthusiast community.

Notable Moment:

“Wouldn’t this be the best way to start a YouTube channel ever?” —Nick, [16:10]

6. Toyota’s Cowboy Hat Holder Concept

[19:21–20:52]

• SEMA concept truck with a dashboard cowboy hat holder draws admiration and nostalgia.
• Anecdote: Nick recalls teenage mischief in his grandpa’s old F-150; joke on American truck culture and brand patriotism.
• Hosts amused by clever, uniquely ‘American’ features, but agree it’ll probably remain a concept.

7. Ferrari Patents Side-Exit Exhaust for V12

[21:02–23:31]

• Ferrari files a patent for a front-engine, V12, side-exit exhaust setup, likely aimed at future Icona series cars.
• The crew speculates what model it might debut on, and whether it’ll be a true enthusiast’s Ferrari or just a design exercise.

8. Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Edition: $3 Million Opulence

[23:51–26:43]

• Rolls-Royce marks the Phantom’s 100th anniversary with an ultra-exclusive, $3M edition—25 cars only, featuring “77 stitched motifs” and golden Spirit of Ecstasy.
• Hosts critique the “tasteless” interior styling, though admit the exterior is beautiful.

Notable Quote:

“It’s one of the ugliest interiors I’ve ever seen.” —Kenan, [26:02]

9. Listener Q&A

[63:55–71:54]

• Why no Miata? Kenan prefers big-engine cars; Nick simply lacks garage space.
• On 1990s/2000s golden era: Spirited discussion—are the cars from this era objectively best, or is it nostalgia? Doug and Kenan argue for the unique analog/modern balance, Nick notes generational bias but agrees on their enduring appeal.

Notable Quote:

“I think the mid-2000s was sort of the 60s on steroids. It was like all those 60s cars that were amazing but now modern and great.” —Doug, [69:20]

Memorable Personal Segments

The SLR Arrives, the Murciélago Departs

[31:35–34:54]

• Nick reveals his newly bought Mercedes SLR has surpassed his expectations, calling it “a religious experience.” ([33:41])
• Touches on the recent sale of his manual-converted Murciélago, now en route to Denver.

Notable Quote:

“My life will be measured in pre-SLR and post-SLR.” —Nick, [33:55]

Radwood Recap

[38:40–42:23]

• Nick shares his experience at the Radwood car show (80s/90s vehicles)—emphasizing the eclectic range and community spirit, plus the joy (and humility) of parking a Fiat Multipla between the porta-potties and a Testarossa.
• Laments not winning an award this year; agrees with Doug that survivor and quirky cars now hold unique appeal over traditional supercars at such events.

Formula 1 in Mexico City

[42:47–47:40]

• Kenan recounts visiting the Mexican Grand Prix for a friend’s bachelor party, with highlights including seeing incredible street cars, a rare blue Carbon Ferrari F50, and a LaFerrari Aperta in the driver parade, as well as soaking in local auto enthusiasm.

Quirky Car Sightings & Personal Rants

[47:44–53:09]

• Doug spotlights oddball finds: a Mercedes GLK with a sticker… of itself, and a rare short-wheelbase heavy-duty Yukon Denali (never made by GM but created for government/armored use).
• Nick and Kenan discuss the humble but capable Audi A2, and the challenges of owning a problematic Bentley.

Mercedes R63 AMG Deep-Dive (Market Segment)

[55:02–58:30]

• Debate over the value and rarity of the R63 AMG minivan: only 113 were sold in North America, with pristine examples seldom on the market.
• Nick is tempted to buy, noting its “ultimate Multipla” vibe, but hesitates due to timing and funds.

Notable Quote:

“This is like the opposite of my Bentley. It’s too nice for me.” —Nick, [56:09]

The Case for E55 AMG & High-Mileage Ferraris

[58:30–63:42]

• Doug praises the W210 E55 AMG as an affordable, reliable, future classic; still undervalued in today’s market.
• Kenan highlights a high-mileage euro 512TR Ferrari up for sale—remarking on its rarity and appeal for drivers who believe “miles are meant to be added.”

Additional Notable Quotes

• “Manual transmission. I’m seeing people in GR Corollas that don’t look like enthusiasts.” —Nick, [05:20]
• “You drive a Sequoia with camouflage Fender. So we don’t need to…” —Nick (ribbing Doug about American car tastes), [11:59]
• “Would Papa have quit his cowboy hat?” —Doug (on the cowboy hat holder), [19:54]
• “Why not—so I don’t know. I think I’m very curious to see if this car ever comes into existence. And if it does it’ll be cool. Ferrari’s SLR.” —Kenan, [23:24]
• “Congrats Ferrari for inventing side exhausts. We’re very proud of you.” —Nick, [23:31]
• “Every magazine tester disagrees with that and so do I... [E55 vs E39 M5].” —Kenan, [60:02]
• “Pretty cool. Please, someone get this back on the road. Sell it on cars...” —Doug (on the EV1), [18:05]

Timestamps: Important Segments

• Subaru STI Concept / WRX Hatchback Debate: [00:32–05:11]
• GM Eyes-Off Super Cruise: [05:51–08:36]
• Escalade IQ & SUV Trends: [08:43–10:12]
• Infiniti’s Directionless Future: [10:19–11:44]
• GM EV1 Auction: [13:47–18:53]
• Toyota Cowboy Hat Holder Concept: [19:21–20:52]
• Ferrari Side-Exit Exhaust Patent: [21:02–23:31]
• Rolls-Royce $3M Centenary Phantom: [23:51–26:43]
• Personal Car Adventures (Merc SLR, Murciélago Sale): [31:35–34:54]
• Radwood Show Recap: [38:40–42:23]
• Formula 1 Mexico City: [42:47–47:40]
• Market Reports (R63, E55, Ferrari 512TR): [55:02–63:42]
• Listener Questions (Miata, Golden Era, etc.): [63:55–71:54]

Tone and Style

True to the THIS CAR POD! formula, this episode blends Doug’s curiosity and quirky expertise with Nick and Kenan’s quick wit and differing auto perspectives. The group’s banter flows between heartfelt nostalgia, sharp analysis, and plenty of irreverent in-jokes, all suffused with automotive passion.

For new listeners:
Whether you're here for the hot takes on car market trends, the hidden stories behind enthusiast icons, or just for hilarious stories of car-guy mishaps and dreams, this episode offers insight and entertainment in equal measure.