THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!

Episode: Ultimate Bugatti is Here, Volvo Brings Back Wagons, and Doug's Insane Memory

Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Doug DeMuro
Co-Hosts: Kenan Rolson, Filippo

Episode Overview

This lively episode dives into the automotive world’s latest headlines and trends, including Bugatti’s one-off FKP homage to the Veyron, wishes for bigger BMW SUVs, Volvo's surprising wagon potential, the resurgence of specialty coachbuilding, Lotus and NSX market dynamics, the value of analog sports cars, and more. As always, Doug and his friends bring a blend of nostalgia, insider knowledge, and lighthearted banter.

Key Topics & Insights

1. The Ultimate Bugatti: FKP Homage

[00:09–05:12]

• Bugatti's New One-Off: Discussion opens with the reveal of the Bugatti FKP homage, a one-off Chiron-based car styled like the Veyron as tribute to Ferdinand Karl Piech.
  • “This is the Bugatti FKP homage, which stands for Ferdinand Carl Piech, one of our favorite automotive dynasties. He is an absolute killer.” (Kenan, 00:15)
  • Only one will be made, at a price of €10 million.
  • Includes quirky bespoke features (e.g., AP Royal Oak clock on the dash).
• Reflections: The group debates the retro appeal, noting Veyron is now "a throwback" car. Minority lament over its color choice (not blue/black).
  • “It is such a neat idea to take the Veyron…to modernize it…with the Chiron improvements, but to like keep the look. It’s like all those BS companies making retro versions…except Bugatti did it.” (Doug, 01:14)
• Discussion turns to homologation: Doug expresses surprise that such a bespoke car could be road-certified given extensive changes.
• Ferdinand Piech Legacy: Only other car to pay him tribute in its name was the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37.
• Ultimate Rich-Guy Toy: Doug makes the tongue-in-cheek point that “this car is a reason to get rich […] this is the thing.” (03:14)

2. SUVs: BMW X9, X7, and the March for Larger SUVs

[05:13–10:24]

• BMW Dealer Demand: American dealers pushing BMW for a full-size X9 to rival Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Tahoe, noting the X7 is now smaller than many class rivals.
  • “BMW dealers are starting to really request and push BMW corporate for an X9…” (Filippo, 05:19)
• Naming Conventions: The group debates BMW’s “even = coupe” number system, agreeing the ever-larger SUV trend is here to stay—“The more SUVs, the merrier.” (Doug, 08:27)
• Volvo’s Moves: News that Volvo may introduce an XC100 or a model larger than XC90, also following American SUV trends.
  • Lament for the days when SUVs required major compromise: “Back in that era, buying an SUV required real compromise, and now it just doesn’t.” (Doug, 08:58)
• SUV Nostalgia: Kenan and Filippo express preference for older SUVs and wagons; Doug notes that today's SUVs offer sedan-like comfort.

3. Volvo and the Future of Wagons

[10:24–13:43]

• Volvo & Wagons Comeback: Volvo previously said wagons were finished but may reconsider, spurred by US and Chinese interest.
  • “Even interestingly, China is coming up with wagons. It’s hot right now. So people are really liking wagons.” (Filippo quoting Volvo exec, 10:25)
• Wagon Memories: The group shares personal memories of station wagons, especially Volvo’s V70 and vintage Outbacks. There’s a collective hope that more wagons will make a comeback, despite the market's SUV tilt.

4. Bertone & Retro Coachbuilt Cars

[13:47–17:41]

• Bertone's Neo-Retro Otto Bianchi A112 Runabout: Only 25 units, Lotus Exige base, Camry V6, pop-up headlights, €390,000.
  • “I think this is so cool. They’re only going to build 25 of these and they’re going to cost €390,000.” (Kenan, 14:40)
  • Pop-up headlights spark debate on modern road legality.
• Debate on ‘Real’ Sports Cars: The crew jokes about the "two-door, rear or all-wheel drive" definition. Front-drive exotics don’t make the cut for Doug: “A sports car by definition is rear wheel drive or all wheel drive.” (Doug, 16:22)
• Limited Relevance: Doug jokes that these ultra-rare cars, like bespoke Bugattis, have no true real-world relevance but are fascinating for enthusiasts.

5. Chuckwalla Raceway Is for Sale

[18:57–23:59]

• News: Famed Chuckwalla racetrack is for sale for $26M.
  • “If I had $26 million, I would buy that Bugatti twice.” (Doug, 19:11)
• Real Estate Concerns: Some fear developers will buy and demolish it, but the pod crew agree it’s too isolated: “You pass nowhere and you keep going. But no one’s living here.” (Kenan, 19:42)
• Racetrack Economics: Discussion about private equity buying tracks, price hikes, and private membership models, with concern about accessibility for regular enthusiasts.

6. Fascinating Auction: Lamborghini-Powered F1 and the “Formula 1 Engine” Debate

[24:01–29:33]

• Lotus F1 with Lambo V12: Rare F1 car with an LE3512 engine (relating to the Countach’s V12).
  • “The engine in this Lotus car was terrible. It had zero wins. […] Not a good engine.” (Kenan, 24:57)
• “Formula One Engine” Ownership: Humorous banter about having street cars with dubious F1 engine lineage, poking fun at Doug’s Carrera GT and Land Rover V8 connections.
• F1 Nostalgia: Stories about Senna’s test drive of the Lambo engine at McLaren.

7. Market and Auction Insights

a) NSX & Lotus Amira Market

[57:07–63:47]

• NSX with 321k Miles Sells For $80k+: Astonishment at high-mile, single-owner cars getting strong prices.
  • “He hadn’t looked at the service documentation—he just wanted the car.” (Filippo, 57:41)
  • “I saw the buyer commented, ‘I’m taking this to 500,000 [miles].’” (Doug, 58:11)
• Amira & Lotus Market: Amira selling for $85k–$96k, surprisingly strong values for a financially shaky company.
  • “How does [Lotus] retain their value? […] The market is clearly speaking: they are desirable.” (Kenan, 61:38)
  • Market’s trust in Toyota/Mercedes powertrains helps Lotus.

b) Survivor Cars and Bargains

[54:00–56:57]

• Oldsmobile Alero Example: Survivor/low-mileage base cars sell for little, despite reliability.
  • “For $4,100 you cannot buy a Civic or Corolla like it doesn’t exist, it’s a ratty car. Or you can go buy an undriven Alero.” (Doug, 56:18)

c) Classic Car Experiences

[64:52–69:20]

• Driving a Jaguar XK140: Unexpectedly enjoyable analog experience, leading to newfound appreciation for 1950s and `60s classics.
  • “If you have more room in the garage and a little bit more money to spend, this offers an experience like nothing else.” (Kenan, 65:51)
  • Doug notes similar love for well-maintained cars of the era, like the Gullwing.

8. Analog Cars vs. Modern Behemoths

[33:33–41:03]

• Doug’s Review of the Lamborghini Temerario: Large, heavy, hybrid-era Lambos contrast with the “tossable” analog cars like the 993 Porsche.
  • “If you like a car that is like a tossable, fun but powerful car, the modern stuff has left you behind, period.” (Doug, 35:54)
• Kenan’s 993 Porsche Drive: Driving a 993 along California’s coast renews appreciation for simple, analog cars.
  • “It was so perfect. It was so great.” (Kenan, 42:51)
  • “There’s something to this… There really is.” (Doug, 39:09)
• Market Reflection: Rising values for ‘90s sports cars are justified, given the experience they offer as analog, usable classics.

9. Personal Anecdotes & Memorable Moments

• Doug’s 'Ultimate Reason to Get Rich': Bugatti FKP as the pinnacle “if you had $10 million.”
• Dyno Days: Kenan’s SL65 dyno experience, with the car needing a human to sit on it for traction. “The one thing you will see in the video is there’s a guy who had to sit on the back because the car doesn’t have enough weight over the rear tires…” (Kenan, 52:33)
• Events & Pacifica Hybrid: Filippo drives a Pacifica Hybrid 1,000 miles with impressive fuel economy—and a china cabinet in the back. “Maybe I will own one. I love the Pacific Hybrid. So good plug in man.” (Filippo, 45:29)

Notable Quotes & Banter

• “This car is a reason to get rich.” (Doug, 03:14)
• “The Veyron is now a throwback car, but it is.” (Kenan, 01:38)
• “What do you mean failed? They had a podium!” (Doug, 25:55)
• “Buying an SUV required real compromise, and now it just doesn’t.” (Doug, 08:58)
• “For $4,100 you cannot buy a Civic or Corolla… Or you can go buy an undriven Alero.” (Doug, 56:18)
• “If you like a car that is tossable, fun but powerful, the modern stuff has left you behind, period.” (Doug, 35:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bugatti FKP Homage Discussion: 00:09–05:12
• BMW X9 and Big SUV Talk: 05:13–10:24
• Volvo Wagons—Are They Coming Back?: 10:24–13:43
• Bertone A112 Runabout and Retro Coachbuilding: 13:47–17:41
• Chuckwalla Raceway For Sale: 18:57–23:59
• Lamborghini-Powered Lotus F1 / F1 Engine Debate: 24:01–29:33
• Modern Car Size and Weight / Analog Car Love: 33:33–41:03
• Oldsmobile Alero, Survivor Cars: 54:00–56:57
• NSX and Lotus Market Talk: 57:07–63:47
• Jaguar XK140 & Classic Car Experiences: 64:52–69:20
• Listener Questions & Fastest Drives: 69:27–78:20

Listener Q&A Highlights

Pickup Trucks:
Doug has never owned a legit pickup, but would opt for a 4-door Tacoma, new Ranger, Frontier, or small/mid-size truck (70:00+).

Fastest Driven:
Kenan hit 160 MPH in an SL65, Doug did 160 on the Autobahn in a Cayenne Turbo, Filippo prefers not to disclose (73:35+).

Favorite Car Movies:
Doug: Gone in 60 Seconds, Fast & Furious 1; Kenan: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; Filippo: Italian Job, Ronin, James Bond car cameos (75:35+).

Doug’s Car Review Memory:
Doug explains his automotive recall: “This is my job. Of course I remember.” (83:54)

Final Thoughts

• Nostalgia & the Market: Analog cars continue to gain value because of their unique driving experiences. Modern cars are growing in size, complexity, and hybridization, often losing some driver engagement.
• Survivor Bargains: Low-mileage “survivor” cars of all types remain undervalued and could represent great used-car buys.
• Lotus & Volvo: Market is robust for Lotus, despite its struggling balance sheet; hope for a Volvo wagon revival rises.
• Bespoke Hypercars: Ultra-exclusive retro cars like the Bugatti FKP are automotive fantasy at its peak—and a tongue-in-cheek “reason to get rich.”
• Community Events & Behind the Scenes: The crew shares snippets from recent events and behind-the-scenes production details.

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