Episode Summary: Tesla Actually Releasing Strange Autonomous CyberTaxis? Major Enthusiast Car Market Changes and MORE

Released on October 18, 2024, "THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends" delves into a variety of intriguing automotive topics, from groundbreaking app launches to significant market shifts and audience interactions. Hosted by Doug DeMuro alongside Ken and Filippo, this episode offers comprehensive insights for car enthusiasts and general listeners alike.

1. Launch of the Cars and Bids App

The episode kicks off with the exciting announcement of the new Cars and Bids app, a feature that Ken and Filippo enthusiastically discuss.

• Doug DeMuro [01:09]: "Today we have big news. Cars and bids has an app."

• Filippo [01:32]: "It is just incredibly beautiful... download it on the App Store. It is currently only for iOS..."

This app allows users to bid on cars, monitor auctions, ask questions, and receive notifications, enhancing community engagement and user experience. Ken shares his positive experience using the app, highlighting its convenience and functionality.

• Ken [01:54]: "I celebrated the strength of the M5 by doing that, but we'll move on."

2. Porsche Carrera GT Receives New Michelin Tires

Doug and Ken shift focus to the Porsche Carrera GT, highlighting Michelin's development of new tires for this iconic vehicle, despite its production having ceased in 2005.

• Doug DeMuro [02:22]: "They are going to put them on all the cars. They're going to put them on my car here pretty soon."

Filippo underscores the potential performance improvements these tires could bring, expressing hope for a new Nurburgring lap time.

• Filippo [05:00]: "I have long held the belief that if you were to take cars on modern tire technology, you probably get quite a bit better time on racetrack."

Doug criticizes the original BMW suspension setup, suggesting that an upgrade to KW suspension could significantly enhance lap times.

3. BMW Z8 Tail Light Replacement Costs

The conversation then turns to the BMW Z8, particularly the exorbitant costs associated with replacing its neon tail lights.

• Doug DeMuro [05:25]: "Take a guess what a replacement cost for a Z8 tail light is."

• Filippo [05:35]: "$17,000."

The discussion highlights the rarity and failure rate of these tail lights, posing a significant maintenance concern for Z8 owners.

• Ken [05:15]: "They fail all the time."

4. Tesla's Autonomous CyberTaxis

A major segment of the episode examines Tesla's latest venture into autonomous transportation: the CyberTaxi.

• Doug DeMuro [07:23]: "This is a new Tesla Robo Taxi. Yes. What I'm about to tell you is true. It is a taxi with two seats."

They critique Tesla's track record of delayed or unfulfilled announcements, expressing skepticism about the CyberTaxi's promised features and design.

• Filippo [08:27]: "It's painted the tire. Well, they painted the tire. Look. That is just a tire that's been painted."

Ken humorously downplays the significance of painted tires, while Doug remains unimpressed with the overall concept, citing doubts about its practicality and execution.

5. Lexus LX700 Enhancements

Filippo introduces the new Lexus LX700, emphasizing its power upgrades to compete with the Toyota Sequoia.

• Doug DeMuro [10:05]: "They give it a little more power. They were like, how is the Sequoia the top dog Big boy. We need this to be the top dog big boy."

The hosts discuss the LX700's enhanced horsepower and torque, alongside its over-trail trim featuring triple-lock differentials, positioning it as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market.

• Filippo [11:23]: "I don't know if there still is not a lot of LX demand."

6. Brembo Acquires Ohlins

Ken reports on Brembo's acquisition of suspension manufacturer Ohlins for $405 million, signifying consolidation in the automotive parts industry.

• Filippo [12:03]: "We're done with that new story. I mean, it's interesting, right?"

• Doug DeMuro [12:19]: "Largest acquisition in Brembo history."

This move is seen as Brembo strengthening its foothold in the high-performance parts sector.

7. Corvette ZR1's Impressive Speed

The hosts express excitement over the Corvette ZR1's ability to reach speeds of 233 mph, making it the only car under a million dollars to achieve such performance.

• Ken [13:04]: "It's tested the combined speed. So that's going one way."

• Doug DeMuro [14:29]: "And it's the only car under a million dollars that will do 233 miles an hour."

They compare the ZR1 to legendary supercars like the McLaren F1, discussing its place in modern automotive performance benchmarks.

• Ken [13:42]: "Tough, tough."

8. Renault's Retro Electric Models: R4 and R5

Filippo highlights Renault's foray into retro-styled electric vehicles, the R4 and R5, drawing inspiration from their classic predecessors.

• Filippo [16:18]: "Which is the R4, which is meant to look a little bit like the old Renault R4."

• Doug DeMuro [17:05]: "It's an interesting point... the retro redesigns appeal to a new generation of car enthusiasts."

They admire the blend of vintage aesthetics with modern electric technology, noting the potential for these models to resonate with those nostalgic for 90s Renaults.

9. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Advances

The discussion shifts to BMW's refreshed 2 Series Gran Coupe, focusing on the new M235 trim and its performance specifications.

• Filippo [19:10]: "It's 312 and it is all wheel drive."

• Doug DeMuro [20:26]: "If they made a true M version of this, an M2 Grand Coupe with 400 horsepower, it would be an Audi RS3 competitor."

Despite mixed opinions on its styling, the hosts acknowledge the car's enhanced performance and potential market appeal.

10. Market Report: Cars and Bids' Auction Highlights

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the latest market trends and auction highlights from Cars and Bids.

• Ken [33:36]: "The Dinan S3, which is the supercharged version of the E39 M5, sold for $117,500."

They discuss the soaring interest in classic BMW E39 M5 models, particularly those enhanced by Dinan's performance packages, emphasizing their rarity and investment potential.

• Doug DeMuro [35:34]: "This is a very strong result."

Filippo and Ken analyze the depreciation trends of various Porsche models, noting the price drops in 996 and 997 Porsche 911s and the shifting market dynamics for the Corvette C8.

• Filippo [38:27]: "There are a lot available elsewhere too."

11. Audience Q&A: Car Choices for Kids and Automotive Pet Peeves

In the interactive segment, listeners pose questions ranging from suitable cars for teenagers to the hosts' biggest automotive pet peeves.

• Sal [46:00]: "Which car would you buy for your kids?"

  • Filippo [46:44]: "Corolla hybrid."

  • Ken [47:02]: "GR Corolla would be pretty cool."

• Mohammed Kinsara [56:00]: "What car can score a 50 out of 50 in Doug's scoring system?"

  • Doug DeMuro [56:41]: "I think the Ferrari Daytona SP3 has achieved that in the weekend category."

Regarding pet peeves, Doug expresses frustration over common automotive myths and poor maintenance practices, such as covering license plates with towels to obscure them.

• Doug DeMuro [53:04]: "You're a loser if you cover your license plate with your thumb."

Filippo also shares his annoyance with illegally imported cars being sold without proper documentation.

12. Closing Thoughts and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and final reflections on the topics discussed. Doug humorously recounts past experiences with cars, emphasizing his pragmatic approach to car ownership and sales.

• Doug DeMuro [64:08]: "Any car that I previously owned I could buy again. But I don't because I've moved on."

Filippo and Ken also share personal anecdotes, fostering a sense of camaraderie and authenticity that resonates with listeners.

This episode of "THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends" offers a rich tapestry of automotive discussions, blending expert analysis with personal insights and community engagement. From innovative app launches and high-performance car updates to market trends and listener interactions, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the current automotive landscape.