Podcast Summary: THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!

Episode: Will Slate Pickup Fail? New Ferrari Reveal, Future Classics People HATE Now!
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Hosts: Doug DeMuro, Filippo, Kenneth

1. New Ferrari 296 Speciale Unveiled

[01:09] Kenneth kicks off the discussion with the exciting news about Ferrari's latest marvel, the Ferrari 296 Speciale. He highlights the significant enhancements over its predecessor:

• Engine and Performance: Retains the 3-liter hybrid V6 but boosts power from 819 horsepower to 868 horsepower, accompanied by an increase in torque.

  Kenneth: "It's still uses 3 liter hybrid V6 just like the 296 does. But power goes from 819 horsepower... to 868 in torque." [01:09]

• Weight Reduction and Aerodynamics: The Speciale is 132 pounds lighter, enhancing performance. Notably, Ferrari has incorporated aero features like gamma wings at the rear, generating 959 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.

  Kenneth: "They added these little gamma wings at the rear... which generate a lot more downforce." [01:36]

• Market Positioning: With an MSRP starting around $500,000, it's positioned as a more accessible yet highly performant model compared to the SF90.

  Doug: "And it's still a bargain compared to SF90." [03:59]

[05:13] Doug discusses the interior changes, noting the shift back to physical controls on the steering wheel from capacitive touch systems, which enhances usability, especially at high speeds.

Doug: "Physical buttons here is definitely going to make life a little bit easier." [04:22]

2. Slate Pickup Truck: Innovation or Misstep?

[05:56] Filippo introduces Slate, a new automotive venture backed by prominent investors like Jeff Bezos. Slate aims to revolutionize the pickup truck market with a focus on simplicity and customization.

• Design Philosophy: Slate trucks come unpainted to facilitate easy wrapping. The absence of traditional features like radios and infotainment systems underscores their minimalist approach.

  Filippo: "Their goal is to keep cars as simple as possible." [06:08]

• Pricing and Market Viability: Starting at $27,500 before tax credits (advertised as under $20k after a $7,500 credit), Slate positions itself competitively against models like the Ford Maverick. However, challenges include limited door configurations (two-door only) and lack of essential features, which may hinder mass adoption.

  Doug: "For that money you get 150 miles range, 200 horsepower and a two door truck." [09:12]

• Production and Availability: Targeting a Q4 2026 release with both coupe and spider versions already purportedly sold out, Slate's actual production numbers remain uncertain.

  Kenneth: "It's already sold out." [03:13]

[12:30] The hosts debate Slate's practicality, with Doug emphasizing the consumer preference for four-door trucks and the potential for higher costs when adding necessary features.

Doug: "This vehicle needs four doors and a lower price." [12:30]

3. Porsche’s Mysterious 977 Road Car Revelation

[17:01] Doug brings attention to Porsche's recent teaser video for the 977 Road Car, speculating it might be a road-legal version of their current flagship race car, the 963. The discussion revolves around Porsche's hesitation to fully embrace electric supercars and whether this move signals a return to traditional combustion engines or limited production models.

Doug: "They release a video teasing their current race car... And it kind of implied... a road legal version." [17:10]

[19:34] The hosts reminisce about Porsche's history of blending race and road cars, referencing the Durant 962 and debating the potential market reception for the 977.

Kenneth: "They've done this before. The Dauer 962 is a good example." [19:09]

4. Tariff Updates Impacting the Automotive Industry

[21:39] Filippo provides an update on recent executive orders signed by President Trump aimed at alleviating tariff burdens on the automotive sector. Key points include:

• Aluminum and Steel Tariffs: Cars are exempted from additional 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel, preventing double taxation on components.

  Filippo: "...cars are not subject to the aluminum and steel tariffs." [23:03]

• Auto Parts Tariffs: Starting May 3, 25% tariffs continue on major auto parts, with exemptions for manufacturers who produce vehicles in the US for the American market. However, clarity on implementation remains limited.

  Filippo: "If you're a manufacturer and you also build cars in the US... you can be exempted." [23:10]

[23:17] Doug critiques the partial rollback, suggesting that overall tariffs remain detrimental to the industry.

Doug: "Still the most beautiful word. It really is tariff." [23:17]

5. Mercedes AMG's First Electric Vehicle Announcement

[23:32] The conversation shifts to Mercedes AMG introducing their first electric vehicle, a four-door coupe, marking a significant departure from their traditional lineup.

• Powertrain Specifications: The EV will feature multiple motors, each producing 480 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The exact number of motors remains undisclosed, but possibilities range from two to four, suggesting a total output potentially exceeding 800 horsepower.

  Kenneth: "Each motor makes 480 horsepower... They could have up to 2000 horsepower." [24:28]

• Design and Market Positioning: Unlike AMG's previous models, this EV departs from the EQ family styling, aiming for a bespoke look that distinguishes it in the luxury EV market. The hosts express skepticism about its success given the lukewarm reception of AMG's current EQ models.

  Doug: "It's a bit weird... the market hasn't loved any of these really pricey EVs." [25:17]

[26:31] Filippo speculates on the EV's target market, questioning if it's primarily aimed at regions like China, where luxury EVs might have a different reception.

Filippo: "For the Chinese market, or the European market..." [26:31]

6. BMW’s New M2 Race Edition: A Glimpse into the Future

[27:32] Kenneth introduces BMW’s latest M2 Race model, which notably deviates from traditional M cars by utilizing a two-liter twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the customary six-cylinder setup.

• Performance and Design: The M2 Race delivers 308 horsepower and is 512 pounds lighter than its road-legal counterpart. This reduction aims to enhance performance while maintaining component durability, such as the cooling system.

  Kenneth: "This car makes 308 horsepower, which is down 53 horsepower compared to the normal car." [27:47]

• Implications for BMW's Future Lineup: The shift to a four-cylinder engine in the M2 Race hints at a potential transition away from traditional six-cylinder engines in future BMW models, aligning with industry trends towards downsizing and efficiency.

  Kenneth: "If they're putting it in this car to go racing, I get it. But the M2 isn't the C60." [28:18]

[29:21] The hosts discuss the likelihood of BMW phasing out six-cylinder engines in favor of more efficient powertrains, potentially adopting four-cylinder or hybrid systems in upcoming generations.

Doug: "I think we'll see them lose the six-cylinder for the next generation." [28:46]

7. Personal Anecdotes and Enthusiast Discussions

[30:25] Kenneth shares his aspiration to purchase a first-generation Dodge Viper and an Alfa Romeo from the 1970s, sparking a lively discussion with Doug and Filippo about the challenges and desirability of classic car ownership. The conversation touches on:

• Market Availability: The scarcity of desired models like the Viper and the high demand often making acquisition difficult.

  Kenneth: "I've started looking for one. A couple of deals have kind of fallen through." [30:59]

• Value Appreciation: The potential for future classics, especially models that may not appeal to contemporary consumers but hold nostalgic and historical significance.

  Doug: "These are going to go down as ... incredibly desirable icons." [38:05]

[35:50] Doug and Filippo briefly discuss their personal commitments, with Doug challenging himself not to purchase a new car for an extended period, highlighting his commitment to minimalism or selective buying.

Doug: "If I make it through May without buying a car... the longest in 15 years." [35:55]

8. Cars and Bids Market Report: Expanding to Pre-1981 Vehicles

[50:22] Filippo announces a significant shift for the Cars and Bids platform: the introduction of auctions for vehicles prior to 1981. This expansion responds to user demand for a broader range of classic and vintage cars.

• User Feedback: Approximately 70% of surveyed users expressed interest in older vehicles, prompting the platform to enhance its offerings without compromising the modern interface that defines Cars and Bids.

  Filippo: "70% of survey respondents said they wanted older cars." [50:22]

• Live Auctions: The platform is already featuring live auctions of pre-1981 cars, including a C2 Corvette, an old Cougar, and a restored Bronco, among others. This move aims to serve both modern enthusiasts and collectors of vintage automobiles.

  Filippo: "There'll be a couple of cars live when you're watching... a C2 Corvette... an old Cougar." [51:32]

[53:04] The hosts commend the expansion, emphasizing the inclusivity and community-building aspect of allowing diverse car models to participate on Cars and Bids.

Doug: "We're not gatekeeping... we're doing it for the people." [53:07]

9. Listener Questions and Expert Opinions

Question 1: Will Slate Pickup Succeed?
A listener inquires whether Slate's minimalist pickup will find a market and what other enthusiast demands might clash with mainstream sales.

• Doug's Response: Skeptical about Slate's viability due to limited features and market preferences leaning towards more conventional pickup designs.

  Doug: "A lot of the stuff that enthusiasts plead for I think virtually always wouldn't sell." [56:00]

• Filippo's Counterpoint: Suggests that certain features, like manual transmissions and specific aesthetic choices, do have a dedicated market segment that can be lucrative if tapped correctly.

  Filippo: "Dudes just have long wanted manual transmissions in more cars." [56:37]

Question 2: Lamborghini’s Modern LM002 Interpretation
A listener asks how successful a modern reinterpretation of Lamborghini's LM002 would be in today's market.

• Doug's Insight: Believes that while Lamborghini successfully launched the Urus, a robust off-road model akin to the G Wagon could capture significant market interest due to the high demand for luxury SUVs.

  Doug: "People would go crazy buying that." [60:34]

• Kenneth and Filippo's Agreement: Agree that Lamborghini could potentially dominate the luxury off-road segment if they leverage their brand prestige and engineering prowess.

  Kenneth: "They know how to engineer an off-road suspension." [60:38]

Question 3: Ranking V12 Lamborghini Flagship Supercars
A listener requests a ranking of Lamborghini's V12 flagship models.

• Hosts' Discussion: Engage in a spirited debate, ultimately ranking the Countach as the top V12 model for its iconic design and legacy, followed by the Diablo, Lamborghini Huracán, and the Revuelto. They emphasize the Countach's role in defining Lamborghini's aesthetic and performance standards.

  Doug: "The Countach is simply a better car to use. I absolutely lose it." [63:18]
  Kenneth: "The Countach is simply the best." [65:15]

Question 4: Modern Luxury Features vs. Traditional Controls
A listener queries whether the shift to screen-based controls in luxury vehicles genuinely enhances the sense of luxury or merely aligns with consumer expectations.

• Doug's Stance: Argues that screen-based interfaces fulfill modern luxury expectations by offering more features and seamless integration, despite purists preferring physical buttons. Emphasizes that current buyers are accustomed to digital interfaces and value the enhanced functionality screens provide.

  Doug: "Screens make sense to them. It's what they understand." [70:33]

• Filippo and Kenneth's Agreement: Acknowledge the shift towards screens but also recognize the nostalgic appeal of traditional controls for certain demographics.

  Filippo: "People have taken to understand screens equals features equals luxury." [73:04]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[77:27] The episode wraps up with the hosts celebrating YouTube turning 20 and expressing excitement for upcoming features on Cars and Bids, particularly the inclusion of pre-1981 vehicles. They encourage listeners to explore the expanded auction platform and anticipate a continued blend of modern and classic automotive content.

Doug: "Best podcast we've ever done in our lives." [77:30]

Notable Quotes

• Kenneth on Ferrari 296 Speciale’s Performance Enhancement:

  "It's lighter... they've added quite a bit of aero... 959 pounds of downforce at 150 miles an hour." [02:22]

• Doug on Slate Pickup’s Market Challenges:

  "This vehicle needs four doors and a lower price." [12:30]

• Filippo on Cars and Bids Expansion:

  "70% of survey respondents said they wanted older cars." [50:22]

• Doug on Modern Luxury Features:

  "Screens make sense to them. It's what they understand." [70:33]

Overall, this episode delves deep into the evolving automotive landscape, exploring cutting-edge models, innovative startup ventures, industry challenges like tariffs, and the nostalgic passion of car enthusiasts. The hosts provide insightful commentary, blending technical analysis with personal anecdotes, making it a comprehensive listen for automotive aficionados.