Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends! Episode: The Downfall of Nissan is Here! New Apple CarPlay is Bad? Best Investment Cars? Release Date: May 23, 2025

1. Apple CarPlay Ultra Integration in Aston Martin

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion about Aston Martin's rollout of the new Apple CarPlay Ultra. Unlike the standard version, CarPlay Ultra offers enhanced functionality, including integration with the vehicle's gauge cluster and climate controls.

Doug DeMuro (01:07): "Apparently they're rolling out a new Apple CarPlay in Aston Martin models and it has more functionality. It's finally going to come to the gauge cluster which Apple CarPlay has been sorely missing for a long time."

Filippo (02:19): "It's exciting that you can now actually use Apple CarPlay for your full experience. You can use Google Maps. You don't need to use Google Maps and Mercedes MBUX navigation. You can just do one."

However, Filippo and Doug express concerns about the potential over-reliance on screens, with Doug fearing a future where car interfaces are entirely managed through smartphones.

Filippo (04:19): "The automaker wants the data. They want to be able to sell the data."

The conversation also touches on manufacturers like Tesla and GM opting out of CarPlay, preferring to develop proprietary systems to retain control over user data.

2. The Downfall of Nissan

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Nissan's financial struggles. The company is planning to cut $1.8 billion in expenses in North America over the next two years amid substantial losses.

Filippo (06:18): "Nissan... is cutting $1.8 billion in expenses from North America alone over the next two years."

Doug DeMuro (07:07): "They lost $4 billion. Think about that."

The losses stem from miscalculations in lease trade-ins and misaligned incentives, forcing Nissan to drastically reduce investments in future technologies and product development. Filippo speculates on potential partnerships, mentioning Toyota's interest following Honda's withdrawal.

Filippo (10:00): "They've done a full revamp of their dealer incentive program to presumably cut costs for themselves."

Despite the challenges, there's optimism that Nissan might survive by exiting certain markets and focusing on more profitable segments.

3. Wienermobile Race at the Indy 500

In a lighter segment, the hosts discuss Oscar Mayer's plan to race Wienermobiles against each other at the upcoming Indy 500, replacing traditional race cars for this event.

Doug DeMuro (11:38): "They're going to race Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles... and one will win."

The six Wienermobiles represent different regional hot dog styles, including Chicago, New York, Seattle, and more, adding a quirky twist to the traditional racing spectacle.

Kenan (13:00): "It is served with cream cheese."

Both hosts share personal anecdotes about encountering Wienermobiles, emphasizing the fun and uniqueness of the event.

4. Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition: Possible End of the Line

The conversation shifts to Lexus and the IS500 Ultimate Edition. While not officially announced, there's speculation that this could mark the end of the IS lineup.

Kenan (16:34): "Boy, isn't this sad? They're making the Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition... which some people believe will be the end of the line for the Lexus IS."

The hosts reminisce about past Lexus models, discussing the IS500's performance and its place within Lexus's broader strategy.

Doug DeMuro (18:49): "The end of the line, yet another V8, you know, sports sedan thing."

Despite the apparent discontinuation, there's a nostalgic appreciation for the IS series, underscoring its 25-year legacy and personal memories tied to the model.

5. Toyota's EV Refresh and the New BZ

Toyota unveils a refresh of their electric vehicles, rebranding the BZ4X to simply "BZ." The updated model boasts significant improvements, including a larger battery and increased power output.

Filippo (20:01): "It's a lot more competitive. They have a notably larger Battery. Range is up 25% for the big battery model. Power is up."

With a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a horsepower boost, the new BZ positions Toyota's EV offerings more competitively in the market.

Doug DeMuro (21:02): "We've been making fun of this car on this podcast for like two years. This is actually all those changes were the things that we were complaining about. They actually addressed them."

The refresh also includes enhancements like a new larger screen and a heat pump, aligning with modern EV expectations.

6. Toyota RAV4 Refresh: Embracing Hybrid Dominance

Toyota announces a significant refresh for the RAV4, transitioning to an all-hybrid lineup. The new models feature various trims, including the GR Sport plug-in hybrid, which collaborates with Gazoo Racing for performance tuning.

Filippo (23:53): "It's all hybrid now. There's no longer a non-hybrid powertrain."

The GR Sport trim offers 320 horsepower, tuned suspension, and stylistic upgrades, aiming to make the RAV4 more appealing to enthusiasts seeking both efficiency and performance.

Doug DeMuro (25:34): "The suspension has been tuned by Gazoo Racer so it might actually be a well handling Rav4. 320 horsepower is pretty good."

The revamped RAV4 is expected to solidify its position in the market, combining Toyota's reliability with enhanced performance features.

7. De Tomaso P72: A Promising Revival

The hosts delve into the revival of De Tomaso with the new P72 model. After six years of speculation, De Tomaso confirms deliveries will begin this year. The P72 features a supercharged Coyote V8 engine, manual transmission, and an impressive 700 horsepower.

Kenan (28:03): "The De Tomaso P72... a supercharged Coyote V8... 700 horsepower."

Despite initial skepticism about it being vaporware, the P72 promises to deliver a blend of classic design and modern performance, rekindling enthusiasm among car aficionados.

Filippo (29:12): "It's a combination of very exciting elements and for a startup, effectively a startup brand, I mean it's resurrecting an old brand but like it's exciting for it to have the enthusiast things of an engine and experience a manual transmission."

8. Market Report: Used Car Trends and Investments

The Market Report segment highlights notable trends in the used car market:

• AMG GT 4-Door Performance Models: Prices have dropped to the low $60,000s, making them attractive investments for enthusiasts.

  Doug DeMuro (54:30): "This automobile... maybe the best handling four-door car I've ever driven."

• E46 M3 vs. New M5: The classic E46 M3, particularly convertibles, is appreciating in value, with some models fetching upwards of $30,000, despite being older vehicles.

  Kenan (57:04): "This One sold for 23,700. I was just like, I can't believe that that's what it sold for."

• BMW S54 vs. S52 Engines: The S54-powered M3s are commanding higher prices compared to their S52 counterparts, reflecting their enhanced performance and desirability.

9. Audience Q&A

Listeners submitted a variety of car-related questions, which the hosts addressed with enthusiasm:

• Worst Naming Structures in Car Companies: Both Audi and Mercedes-Benz were criticized for inconsistent and confusing naming conventions.

  Filippo (67:30): "Audi has been the most variable, and that makes it bad."

• Investment Vehicles with Unlimited Budgets: Discussions revolved around iconic cars such as the Ferrari F430 versus Lamborghini Gallardo, and the early NSX versus the Viper.

• Standout High School Cars: Personal stories were shared about memorable cars from the hosts' high school days, emphasizing the impact of unique or powerful vehicles.

10. Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

The hosts shared personal stories, adding a relatable and engaging layer to the episode:

• Doug's Cross-Country Drive: Doug recounts driving his Toyota Sequoia across the country, praising its reliability and ruggedness.

  Doug DeMuro (47:36): "It was fine. I drove across the country in my Toyota Sequoia. I now have 12,000 miles on my Toyota Sequoia."

• Kenan's Rolls Royce Phantom Experience: Kenan discusses his admiration for the Rolls Royce Phantom, highlighting its unparalleled comfort and craftsmanship.

  Kenan (40:19): "The level of soundproofing, the quality of the materials... It's such a pleasure."

• High School Car Memories: Filippo and Kenan reminisce about the standout cars from their high school years, reflecting on the diversity and uniqueness of these vehicles.

11. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with birthday wishes for the hosts, reflections on the podcast's journey, and acknowledgments of their sponsors, Cars and Bids, Brunt Workwear, and others.

Filippo (80:20): "This podcast is brought to you by Cars and Bids, the best place to buy and sell cool cars."

The hosts express gratitude towards their listeners and hint at exciting topics for future episodes, maintaining an engaging and personable tone until the end.

Notable Quotes

• Doug DeMuro (01:07): "Apparently they're rolling out a new Apple CarPlay in Aston Martin models and it has more functionality. It's finally going to come to the gauge cluster which Apple CarPlay has been sorely missing for a long time."

• Filippo (06:18): "Nissan... is cutting $1.8 billion in expenses from North America alone over the next two years."

• Kenan (16:34): "Boy, isn't this sad? They're making the Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition... which some people believe will be the end of the line for the Lexus IS."

• Filippo (21:15): "The suspension has been tuned by Gazoo Racer so it might actually be a well handling Rav4."

• Doug DeMuro (26:57): "Toyota is all about core competency, and this is a core competency vehicle."

• Kenan (40:19): "The level of soundproofing, the quality of the materials... It's such a pleasure."

• Filippo (56:05): "We sold a 1999 Estoril, blue like over dove gray interior. Very nice car."

Timestamps:

• 01:07 – Introduction to Apple CarPlay Ultra
• 06:18 – Nissan's financial cuts
• 16:34 – Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition
• 21:15 – Toyota RAV4 GR Sport trim
• 26:57 – Excitement for the new RAV4
• 40:19 – Rolls Royce Phantom experience
• 56:05 – Market Report on BMW M3 sales

Note: For full contextual understanding and additional details, listening to the complete episode is recommended.