Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends! Episode: The Ugliest Supercar Ever, Best License Plates Designs, and a Big Automotive Regret!
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Hosts: Doug DeMuro, Filippo, Kenan, and C

1. News Segments

a. Audi A6 Avant Leak (00:04 - 01:09)

The episode kicks off with a discussion about a leaked, blurry photo of the Audi A6 Avant ahead of its official debut. Filippo expresses skepticism about the leak's significance, noting that the image doesn't provide any new information. Kenan counters by highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Audi's model releases.

Filippo [00:29]: "This gives us no new information at all."

b. BMW M4 VR46 Limited Edition (01:50 - 05:00)

The hosts shift focus to BMW's announcement of a limited edition M4 VR46, honoring MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. They delve into the car's unique features, including its striking lime green graphics and special chassis tuning. The edition is priced around $155,000 and includes exclusive experiences like a barbecue at Rossi's residence and a driving experience at the Muzano Racing track.

Kenan [04:10]: "They did some chassis tuning with it. Special camber, different springs, and roll bars."

Filippo humorously questions the practicality of meeting Valentino Rossi:

Filippo [04:31]: "Where does this man live? I assume Italy."

The hosts discuss the exclusivity of the edition, with only 46 units being produced.

c. Kia EV4 Design and Engine Sounds (06:14 - 08:19)

Next, the podcast covers Kia's upcoming EV4, which features an unconventional triangular wheel design and the integration of artificial engine noises to enhance the driving experience. The technology, previously seen in the Ionic 5N, will be available across all trims but will be more prominent in performance models.

Filippo [07:08]: "This is definitely going into other cars."

Filippo shares his appreciation for the engine sound feature, considering it one of the best EV enhancements.

d. Genesis GV90 and Suicide Doors (08:19 - 10:05)

The conversation moves to Genesis' largest SUV, the GV90, showcased at the Semato show. A notable feature is the inclusion of suicide doors on one of the trim levels, a design choice seen in models like the Lincoln Continental and Bentley Huracan.

Filippo [09:29]: "Is that the last scene of the Sopranos?"

Despite initial skepticism about the design, Filippo expresses excitement for the GV90's potential to round out Genesis' SUV lineup.

e. Lucid CEO Resignation (10:05 - 16:00)

A significant development in the electric vehicle sector is discussed as Peter Rowlandson, founder and former CEO of Lucid Motors, steps down. The hosts speculate on the reasons behind his resignation, considering the company's underwhelming sales and production numbers. Despite retaining a high-paying consultant role, Lucid faces challenges in meeting its ambitious growth targets.

Filippo [12:37]: "Whatever the Lucid situation is, interesting."

Kenan emphasizes that the layoffs at Cars and Bids (sponsored segment) may not directly reflect the broader car market's health but rather internal strategic misalignments.

f. Mercedes Retains V8 and V12 Engines (15:14 - 19:28)

Mercedes-Benz announces its decision to continue producing select V8 and V12 engines, particularly for models like the S680 Maybach and legacy vehicles such as the SL65. This move marks Mercedes as one of the few German manufacturers still maintaining a V12 engine in its lineup.

C [17:18]: "We are thrilled to see V8s and V12s sticking around."

Filippo criticizes the longevity of these engines as counterintuitive to the industry's shift towards electrification but acknowledges their performance heritage.

g. Japanese Company Value Progress's Ugly Supercar (19:28 - 21:20)

The hosts introduce the "Beast," an unusually styled supercar produced by the Japanese company Value Progress. Based on the Lamborghini Diablo, the Beast combines aggressive design elements with a 5.7-liter V12 engine and a five-speed transmission. Despite its stark appearance, Filippo appreciates its engineering but admits it falls short aesthetically compared to other supercars.

Filippo [20:01]: "This is the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life."

The discussion highlights the car's one-off production status, making it a unique but polarizing addition to the supercar market.

2. Talk Cars Segment

a. Cletus McFarland’s Ultimate Race with Nissan Altimas (22:38 - 35:11)

Cletus McFarland hosted a race featuring 100 Nissan Altimas, showcasing their durability and performance despite their reputation for being less glamorous. The race included diverse models, some modified, and involved high-stakes maneuvers to manage issues like fuel leaks.

Filippo [24:35]: "If you haven't watched the video, go watch it."

Kenan and C discuss the chaotic yet entertaining nature of the event, emphasizing the Altima's unexpected resilience on the track.

b. Ferrari Owners Club Drive Experience (35:11 - 43:43)

C shares his experience attending a Ferrari Owners Club drive, where he drove a 355 and interacted with other enthusiasts. The event included a scenic drive to a winery, allowing members to showcase their Ferraris and enjoy camaraderie.

C [26:22]: "It was a really special car. It's still beautiful, it sounds so good, and it's so cool."

The hosts reflect on the challenges of maintaining classic Ferraris, citing issues like improper servicing and high maintenance costs.

c. Bugatti Chiron at Cars and Coffee (43:43 - 39:00)

A Bugatti Chiron made an appearance at a Cars and Coffee event, drawing significant attention from enthusiasts. The hosts discuss the rarity and prestige of the Chiron, noting its limited use and the high value impact even minimal mileage can have on its resale price.

Filippo [35:20]: "It was wild."

Kenan and C highlight the exclusivity and admiration surrounding the Chiron, contrasting it with more frequently seen supercars like the Lamborghini F50.

d. Organized Crime Lord's Ideal Car (64:38 - 72:01)

In a lighthearted hypothetical discussion, the hosts debate what car a crime lord would drive to project power and respect. Suggestions include the Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, and Mercedes SL65 Black Series, each chosen for their imposing presence and luxury credentials.

Filippo [67:35]: "You’d be driving an Escalade. Driving a black Escalade."

The segment blends humor with automotive preferences, showcasing the hosts' diverse tastes.

3. Market Report

a. Layoffs at Cars and Bids (47:49 - 51:40)

The hosts address recent layoffs at Cars and Bids, clarifying that these workforce reductions stemmed from a mismatch between the company's growth strategies and the evolving market conditions rather than a downturn in the overall car market.

Filippo [51:04]: "It's not necessarily the market is bad."

Kenan adds that while the car market remains robust, specific segments like flipping newer electric vehicles have become less profitable, necessitating strategic pivots.

b. Special License Plates Showcase (51:40 - 71:59)

Filippo and Kenan present a detailed tour of some of the most unique and visually striking special license plates across various U.S. states. Highlights include:

• New York Lunar Lander Plate: Features a dramatic space-themed design, fetching around $600 on eBay.

  Filippo [54:06]: "Look up the New York Lunar Lander license plate, please."

• Hawaii's Special Plates: Known for their vibrant, full-color designs depicting local flora, fauna, and landscapes.

  Filippo [55:00]: "Hawaii is the coolest special plate."

• Oklahoma Support Education Plate: Depicts a schoolhouse in a tumultuous setting, representing a unique approach to commemorating educational support.

  Filippo [55:57]: "It's on fire and there's a tornado coming."

• West Virginia Turtle Plate: Praised for its intricate yet illegible design, making it challenging for law enforcement to read.

  Filippo [59:52]: "This is high quality West Virginia stuff."

The segment balances appreciation for creative designs with critiques of less successful plates, such as Montana's rural fire plate deemed poorly designed.

c. Vehicle Sales on Cars and Bids (43:43 - 60:09)

The hosts examine recent high-value sales on Cars and Bids, noting surprising trends such as the strong performance of the BMW M2 Competition despite its relatively older generation and higher mileage.

Filippo [39:34]: "We just sold this M2 Comp 54."

They discuss how market preferences are shifting, with enthusiasts favoring certain models over others based on performance and rarity. The segment underscores the importance of understanding current market dynamics for optimal sales.

d. Audience Questions (60:09 - 70:31)

Filippo and Kenan address questions from their audience, focusing on topics like best special license plates and worst automotive hot takes. They emphasize selecting high-quality questions over popular ones to maintain the podcast's standard.

Filippo [53:05]: "Here's what I'm gonna start doing. Beginning with the next pod, I'm not gonna take the highest upvoted anymore."

e. Worst Automotive Hot Takes (70:31 - 71:54)

The hosts share their "hot takes" on various automotive topics. Filippo candidly states his controversial opinion that markups in car pricing are acceptable, sparking a discussion on dealership practices and manufacturer strategies.

Filippo [60:52]: "My worst hot take is that markups are okay."

Meanwhile, Kenan and C offer differing perspectives on BMW’s F80 M3 and Lamborghini models, debating design merits and engine performance.

4. Conclusion and Final Remarks

In the concluding segments, the hosts reflect on the episode's discussions, reiterate their appreciation for special license plates, and share light-hearted interactions about their personal automotive preferences. They encourage audience engagement through the Cars and Bids community and hint at future topics to explore in upcoming episodes.

Filippo [71:48]: "Thank you so much, ladies and gentlemen, for participating our finest podcast cast ever made."

Notable Quotes

• Filippo [00:29]: "This gives us no new information at all."
• Kenan [04:10]: "They did some chassis tuning with it. Special camber, different springs, and roll bars."
• C [17:18]: "We are thrilled to see V8s and V12s sticking around."
• Filippo [20:01]: "This is the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life."
• Filippo [55:00]: "Hawaii is the coolest special plate."
• Filippo [60:52]: "My worst hot take is that markups are okay."

Conclusion

This episode of THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends! provides an engaging dive into the latest automotive news, including exclusive car releases, design innovations, and industry shifts. The hosts offer insightful critiques, share personal experiences, and interact with their audience, making it a comprehensive listen for car enthusiasts seeking both information and entertainment.