Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!
Episode Title: The V8 Engines Replacing EV Motors! A $20,000 BMW Option, Doug's Affordable Dream Car!
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Host: Doug DeMuro
Guests: Ken, Filippo
1. Episode Overview
In this vibrant and insightful episode of THIS CAR POD! hosted by Doug DeMuro and featuring friends Ken and Filippo, the trio dives deep into the evolving automotive landscape. They explore the resurgence of V8 engines amidst the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), discuss BMW's latest wheel innovations, and share personal anecdotes about dream cars and market trends. The conversation seamlessly transitions from breaking news to hands-on reviews, concluding with an engaging audience Q&A session.
2. News Stories
a. Corvette ZR1 Sets Lap Records [00:30 - 03:35]
The episode kicks off with exciting news about the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 making headlines by setting lap records at renowned racetracks across the country, including Watkins Glen, Road America, and Atlanta's VIR circuit.
Ken: “The Corvette ZR1 is really, really fast.” [02:28]
Doug commends the engineers behind the scenes:
Doug: “The ZR1 is what we've been waiting for from the platform to see what it can really do.” [03:12]
The team marvels at the ZR1's performance, emphasizing its 1,100 horsepower and capability to reach 235 mph, noting the impressive balance and reliability on the track.
b. BMW’s Center Lock Wheels and V8 Engines [03:53 - 08:43]
The conversation shifts to BMW's controversial introduction of center lock wheels on their vehicles, sparking debates about practicality versus aesthetics.
Ken: “BMW is keeping the V8 around.” [07:18]
Filippo highlights BMW's strategic decision to retain V8 engines for specific markets like the American and Middle Eastern regions, underscoring the brand's commitment to performance enthusiasts who crave the traditional V8 experience.
Doug: “BMW gets a lot of flack for how their cars look, but keeping V8s around is commendable.” [07:27]
The trio discusses the implications of center lock wheels, concluding that while they're ideal for racing, they may pose challenges for everyday road use.
c. Dodge’s Charger EV and Return to V8 [08:43 - 15:09]
Ken and Filippo delve into Dodge's latest moves with the Charger, initially announced as an EV but now rumored to return to its V8 roots.
Ken: “They are putting the Hurricane in it, a six-cylinder engine, but implying that V8s might make it in the Charger.” [10:03]
Filippo predicts a robust market response if Dodge reintroduces the V8 Charger, suggesting that the traditional muscle car appeal remains strong among enthusiasts.
Ken: “I think there's a business case for putting V8s back into the Charger.” [10:16]
The discussion highlights the challenges automakers face in balancing EV advancements with the enduring demand for powerful internal combustion engines.
d. Porsche's Shift in Engine Strategy [15:09 - 17:13]
Porsche announces a significant investment of $800 million to reintroduce internal combustion and hybrid engines into their lineup, signaling a strategic pivot.
Doug: “Porsche learned early that certain engines didn't sell well in the US, so keeping V8s around is a smart move.” [07:27]
The hosts analyze Porsche's decision, appreciating the brand's responsiveness to market demands and their dedication to maintaining the driving experience that loyal customers cherish.
e. Lucid’s Change of Focus [17:13 - 24:32]
Lucid Motors reveals a strategic shift to focus 80% on supplying components like motors and drive trains to other manufacturers while dedicating the remaining 20% to their own vehicles.
Filippo: “Lucid is known for having some of the most advanced motor designs, so this pivot makes sense.” [22:34]
Ken and Doug express skepticism about Lucid's ambitious goal to sell a million cars globally, citing the company's recent sales figures and the broader industry's EV challenges.
Ken: “The EV pullback is here, and Lucid's ambition seems hard to grasp given their current performance.” [24:32]
The discussion underscores the difficulties startups face in scaling production and meeting market expectations in the competitive EV sector.
3. Talk Cars: The CLK55 [29:00 - 34:50]
In the Talk Cars segment, Ken passionately discusses his dream car—the 2003-2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Coupe. He highlights its timeless design, powerful V8 engine, and exceptional condition, emphasizing why it's a standout model.
Ken: “This is a one-owner California car. Silver is the only color you want.” [29:50]
Filippo and Doug share their admiration, with Filippo offering to co-own one and Doug appreciating the understated elegance of the CLK55 compared to more flamboyant models.
Doug: “This is a very cool car. I appreciate the subtlety of this car.” [31:10]
The segment concludes with the trio expressing their desire to showcase such a beautiful and well-maintained vehicle, reinforcing the CLK55's status as a cherished classic.
4. Market Report
a. Volvo V60 T8 Pulsar Engineered Extended Range [47:03 - 50:31]
Filippo presents a remarkable sale of a 2022 Volvo V60 T8 Pulsar Engineered Extended Range wagon, which sold for approximately $70,000 despite being a niche model.
Filippo: “This car has been engineered for extended range and has Oken stampers.” [47:09]
Ken admires the car's value retention and Volvo's reputation for durability, noting how the market appreciates such practical yet powerful vehicles.
Ken: “The market does appreciate these V60s. They’re an enthusiast car in the sense that it is a smaller wagon.” [48:53]
b. Ford GT: Old vs. New [40:31 - 53:45]
Ken makes a bold prediction that within three years, the older Ford GT models will surpass the new ones in market value. He cites current sales trends and the nostalgic appeal of the manual transmissions and V8 engines.
Ken: “Within three years, the old Ford GT will be selling for more than the new Ford GT.” [41:26]
Filippo and Doug agree, discussing the complexities and high costs associated with the new Ford GT, while championing the classic models for their simplicity and driving pleasure.
Doug: “I've never driven one [new Ford GT], but I imagine it may be more complicated.” [52:26]
c. Aston Martin DBS with Manual Transmission [53:31 - 66:13]
Doug shares the successful sale of a one-owner Aston Martin DBS with a six-speed manual transmission for $114,000, emphasizing its rarity and enduring appeal despite high mileage.
Doug: “It sold for a strong money, $114K. Feels like right for this car.” [51:07]
Ken praises the DBS's design and performance, comparing it favorably to its competitors and asserting its status as a collectible masterpiece.
Ken: “The DBS is like the challenge stradale of the DB9. It’s much more special.” [53:38]
5. Audience Q&A [53:44 - 67:00]
The hosts engage with listeners' questions, addressing topics ranging from responding to specific comment types to selecting the best weekend car within a budget.
Question: "Do you pay attention to the Doug's 'Type of Guy' comments?"
Ken: “I thought there was a good period of time where they were funny, but it's not as strong now.” [53:57]
Question: "What is the best weekend car for around $15,000?"
Filippo: “A Subaru Boxer or a Mazda Miata are great choices.” [59:30]
Ken and Doug provide enthusiast-driven insights, recommending models like the Mazda Miata, emphasizing reliability, driving pleasure, and community support.
Doug: “The Miata is the answer. It’s a great weekend car.” [62:32]
6. Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to engage further by downloading the Cars and Bids app and participating in the community. They reflect on the dynamic nature of the automotive market, appreciating the blend of classic and modern trends.
Ken: “You can download the Cars and Bids app by going to the App Store on your iPhone.” [66:48]
Filippo: “It's a great app. Download it.” [66:51]
The episode concludes on a high note, celebrating automotive passion and the enduring allure of powerful engines amidst a shifting industry landscape.
Notable Quotes:
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Ken: “This is a $75,000 electric car. If it had power from a V800, a V8 engine, I think it would have been pretty well received by the market.” [13:11]
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Doug: “Long live the gasoline engine.” [19:51]
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Filippo: “Filippo is the teacher, and Ken your student.” [40:16]
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Ken: “The CLK is more beautiful. This is a beautiful car.” [32:33]
This episode offers a comprehensive look into the current state and future of automotive engineering, blending expert opinions with practical insights, making it a must-listen for car enthusiasts and industry followers alike.