Lucid in Trouble, Altima Dead, Volkswagen Cuts, Electric LFA! This Car Pod Ep. 120

[00:09] >> And there's a lot to cover today. Let's start with the news. And let's start >> That's tough. >> That's a tough one. happened here? >> Yeah. So, Lucid has had some struggles

[00:24] of late, let's say. Uh we talked last week about how the gravity is being advertised as 0% financing because there's 0% interest. >> Uh they [laughter] uh there was some reports yesterday on

[00:38] Tuesday that they had engaged uh a firm like bankruptcy protection and restructuring things. Now Lucid's statement unequivocally is that they are

[00:51] not going bankrupt. They're also not going private. And the goal of engaging Alex Partners is to just help them restructure. They brought in a new SEO. restructured a bunch of things and they want help doing that to try to help make

[01:05] them profitable. And by profitable, I mean losing marginally less money every has taken this as they're going bankrupt. >> Well, I want to be clear, Alex Partners is not a company that helps with

[01:17] bankruptcies and turn and and and restructurings. It it it it's also potentially an advisor that could just help streamline and improve your business operations. It [clears throat] the um it was a signal well it it wasn't

[01:32] company to hire an outside company to help them improve. Um a lot of companies we love have done that including some of Fippo's favorites. Um [snorts] but there was a a a report or a leak got out that maybe that one of the things

[01:47] improving their their business operations was chapter 11. They just have strenuously denied this. The stock market um obviously word of this gets out and people start sniffing around and it has a pretty negative effect on your

[02:03] stock price and and just sort of the general feelings around your company with which the stock price is is highly correlated. Um anyway, Lucid denied denied it like crazy. >> Um

[02:15] >> and and for all we know, their denials could be completely accurate. I bet they um they also might not be. Obviously, we know Lucid's been having trouble. They inventory. Fippo told us something a couple weeks ago. We were talking about

[02:28] Lucid that they what was it that they weren't they had slowed down production >> They have some supply chain issue with the gravity. That means that they're not producing cars that they they had pause production. They'd also cut a shift.

[02:42] >> The supply chain issue is that so many of them are sitting unsold that they no >> They have all the supply. They don't need the chains. >> Anyway, they don't know if uh they they they've said that this isn't the

[02:55] immediate future. Uh and that could very well be true, but certainly they're not in great shape. And the stock, you know, if if a report came out that General think the stock market would believe it. The response to this Lucid thing clearly

[03:10] proves investors jitters already about the future and current state of this company. Um, yeah, to be clear, Lucid stock, if you zoom out, not doing great there was a spike when they launched and then went public and then just slowly

[03:26] >> there's a lot of forces at play here. I I for Lucid specifically, I think that I for Lucid specifically, I think that um they they're in a uniquely difficult positioned themselves in this high-end luxury market. There were some pretty

[03:39] benefiting them initially when they launched that have gone away. So, their their already expensive products have become even more expensive. There's been sentiment from EVs. Do they sell globally, Filipo?

[03:52] is their biggest market. >> The US is their biggest market. they're >> they build them here, which can't be market has just generally started to reject EVs and and and those are a lot

[04:05] couldn't necessarily control except for maybe the price point. The real issue was there is a perception that the cars are are um are challenging to own. There's a there's a lot of uh talk about software issues and glitches and other

[04:20] problems like that. And I think that at that price point that can helps to keep people away. I think that a lower priced vehicle maybe that looked a little bit bit more success. >> Yeah. I mean they launched with a large

[04:34] sedan followed by a large SUV. They do >> minivan. Minivan be very clear about >> Uh they [laughter] sure uh they do have smaller models of the segment to compete in especially if you want volume. Uh and thankfully

[04:49] they have the Cosmos and the whatever the other one is called. Um, >> I just don't live in the world of coming up. To me, it's like the R2 is on sale. Like, we got one live. Yeah. >> Like the R2 is on sale today. The Model

[05:03] Y is has been on sale for 10 years. You know, I don't live in a world of coming up. Filipo, I'm going to ask you as an automotive industry expert and um owner of several mediocre cars. [laughter] >> What uh you think they're going

[05:16] bankrupt? Uh I think that they are exploring all possible options. The their actual consulting firm had not recommended that they file for bankruptcy. I I think they

[05:28] still have a chance to split off some things, maybe sell some technology uh get acquired or continue creating models in some much more limited fashion. I a lot of assets. They do have a lot of debt which will be a struggle. Um,

[05:43] >> well, to what extent do you think the Saudi backing um has an effect on people >> Minimal >> really. I mean, I you don't think are trying to save the environment, which is probably their prime market,

[05:57] saving the environment, oh, wait, the Saudis are backing this company. >> If that were the thought process, I think especially in California, Tesla success, which they have with the Model Y uh, and the Model 3. Well, maybe. I

[06:13] market segment. I feel like people who buy Teslas are are making a a decision based on, you know, price point and affordability, whereas people who buy they sort of see as a prestige object. And, you know, do they see it like that

[06:26] >> I don't think it matters. I think it just the product is a good product. The Air and the Gravity are both excellent products that are just not compelling to a high-end luxury product. >> You know what I would do if I were Lucid

[06:39] and if I wanted to succeed? M gas powered go after upskill nurturers and explorers. >> My god. >> Yeah. Well, I was going to say to to Philippa's point, I I've seen a lot of I

[06:51] crazy stickers. Haven't seen any I bought this for car before I realized the Saudis had backed its stickers. >> Well, because that identifies you as an idiot. Elon Elon being crazy. Elon being crazy. You could have make the argument,

[07:05] But the Saudis have always been backing lucid. So you couldn't you couldn't make you were just not doing your research. And I hear that everybody who buys those should be like, man, that guy backs the Saudis. We know we know.

[07:18] things. >> The golf thing is interesting. Don't you Saudis have kind of demonstrated with live golf that they may not be willing after certain. >> We all thought We all thought because

[07:31] for a building that was a mile long. I think it was supposed to be 100 miles long and then it was a mile long and um that we all thought that they just had Brunai 1996

[07:44] now we're learning maybe they have a limit. I it's also been a tough year. Uh you know it's it's easy to feel bad for the for the Saudi government regime. Uh >> okay let's move on there. interesting take.

[07:59] >> Speaking [laughter] speaking of companies that are massively struggling, uh Volkswagen has said that they are going to need to be cutting up to 100,000 jobs. Uh closing four factories and cutting half of their

[08:13] crossbrand mobile uh model lineup. I I don't mean just the Volkswagen brand. Volkswagen Auto Group owns a lot of brands or or owns large stakes in a lot partnerships that also mean models across Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley,

[08:27] across Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Scod, Seyat, uh Volkswagen, there's a >> Bugatti. When we look back on the auto industry in 30 years, we're going to look back on these years as being some of the most pivotal years in the in the

[08:41] automotive industry where, you know, EVs were becoming a thing and China and then certain markets shifted away from EVs and then there was like this is that's happening right now and tariffs became a situation.

[08:56] Volk. It's hard to overstate just how big of a deal it is for Volkswagen to be factories. Isn't Volkswagen's thing that they've never laid off anybody or >> They are historically quite proud of their especially in Europe union

[09:10] commitments they've been able to hold to. Um they are going to be in a really market's not going as well as they want to. That's going to be that's a huge driver of their struggles. uh a lot of their new development including EVs

[09:25] They haven't actually launched most of the EVs that they planned for the US in the US and their US sales are also just kind of mid. Uh and in Europe there's so much competition uh from the Chinese and other manufacturers that mean that

[09:37] they have to make really really really comprehensive cuts to remain at all they have a lot of assets. They have a lot of like that their balance sheet is now. They would argue that they needed

[09:52] were really stopped by the German government and the unions and that's >> and then there was that whole thing where they were they were killing people with the emissions. >> That was a tough point, but I want to

[10:04] automotive industry, but also practical information for enthusiasts about the models that that per some reports uh they will be cutting or will no longer survive this. Uh the Jetta and the Volkswagen TA will be

[10:19] >> the Jetta is still on sale. Yeah, they just had a big refresh for the third >> Big. >> Yeah. Uh uh the TA uh also just had a refresh. Uh but that that's not going to these are not this is not a polestar

[10:33] situation where they won't be for sale in 2027. This is a there will not be a >> end of the line. >> Yeah. TYON. >> I mean what a shock. Yeah, I'm sorry.

[10:46] I'm going to tell you what else. There's not a next generation of >> There's not going to be a next generation ID Buzz. The Fuareg will not return globally. >> The Volkswagen, what is it called now?

[10:58] The CC, which is now called the RDI. >> That that's already dead. That will not come back. The Pat will not be manufactured in any capacity in any >> Um, >> by the way, these are not that there's

[11:10] >> Is there a convertible? The T-Rock sells well. The Trox sells in sell well not what you're saying is they're having trouble selling they're having trouble >> that's part of it but it's not just small cars right the Q I think it's a

[11:25] lot of like trim variants that they will >> Oh yeah we can go beyond Volkswagen yes still is >> the ones that they've said are the Q5 sportback variants >> obviously um the A1 Sportback, the Q2,

[11:41] actually a really notable small car name. >> I know, tragic. Uh >> Canon >> fully. Canon, pull up a picture of a Q2. >> One really interesting one is they have

[11:54] even though we've been talking a lot about uh Porsche's decision to re to figure out how to put a an internal combustion engine in the 718. Uh they've said that per this report, there will not be a gas powered 718 coming. So, we

[12:09] originally they said it was going to be EV only and then they delayed the launch so they could have a gas powered version. They've now per this report at not worth investing. >> I'm going to tell you something. Porsche

[12:23] dealers who have just been asked a year or two ago to to build a brand new facility a few years ago that looks like a football helmet are going to be livid if they cancel the TYON and the 718 and they're throwing EV Macons down their

[12:39] throats. >> If [clears throat] I was a Porsche dealer, I would literally be on a plane to Stukeart right now to start around. You know what I'm saying? Canon, >> I do know what you're saying. That

[12:53] >> if they don't do a gas 718, >> I I don't I apparently their plan is to at least for this report from Build, which is a German uh newspaper, uh that is the current plan is to not have a gas 718. Uh the electric 718 not on the ax

[13:06] list. So that might still happen. >> The car the car nobody wants from the with. That's a good decision. >> Yep. boy. Yeah. >> And we're going to lose the Q2, which has been a fantastic partner for our

[13:19] Mexican listeners. >> You know, I had a rental car T-Rock four years ago and it was great >> as most voting products kind of are. They're just good. Uh, but they're in a really tough position because they the

[13:33] rejected the plan to close four factories and cut 100,000 employees. from uh kind of some recent savings, but it's they're in a tough position where savings. They will not be able to keep throwing money at things. The good news

[13:48] planned cuts to Lamborghini. and that was probably the only thing they could do. Uh and also Okay. Terramont? >> I'm sorry.

[14:01] >> The Volkswagen Terramont. Are they going to keep making that? >> Uh that's the Atlas. So, yes. just got redesigned for 27. By the way, things is to try to get Filippo. >> Well, I have to look that one up. I'll

[14:13] >> He had to Google it. He had to Google it. He doesn't know anything. be interesting. Like, some of them are obvious. The Q5 Sportback. Okay. Sure. But also, >> how you the Jetta? Apparently, the

[14:28] Volkswagen Tiguan was named by combining the German word for tiger, which is something like tiger, with the German word for iguana, which is like leguan or word for iguana, which is like leguan or something. Tiguan. Do you think that

[14:40] is cutting all these jobs? Do you think that there's some regrets that the car >> I think they should have kept naming them after wins. >> Winds? There's always wind. >> Yeah, I think that's that was the issue

[14:53] [laughter] >> they really ran out just like Lamborghini will run out of bulls. >> Um, all right. They keep the story. >> Most bulls are born every day. The wind doesn't change that much.

[15:06] >> Well, you you you watch that. >> Have you ever just Googled yourself? I did it a while back and it was genuinely creepy. Way too much personal info just out there for anyone to find. Even if you're not a YouTube personality or just

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[18:02] more details. I want to move on to talk about Porsche because you know what's Volkswagen and it's you of course. >> Yeah, of course. Um we have first half of the year Porsche results and they're really really interesting. Overall

[18:14] volume was in a tough spot because turns out Macan availability is limited Macons and nobody wants a EV. Uh Panamera has a new design. Uh TYON sales Panamera has a new design. Uh TYON sales are half what they were uh in 20 2025.

[18:28] But one bright spot, 911 sales so far through 2026 were about 8,500. That's up from 5,400. like ending its life cycle last year. >> It was the dot one to the two. It's not

[18:43] >> Yeah. But it it's it was this time because they switched to hybrid. There was a period where they didn't have any. I'll tell you this. Um they're they should be so they're they're they should be thrilled that they have the 911 and

[18:55] erroneously convince people that it's some limited production car that they're else. >> Well, I mean have they sold any Kayen EVs? Did they sell any? >> They don't break out EVs versus not EVs.

[19:09] >> That's uh overall sales in the first half of the year are down 15% year-over-year because everything else is not selling. Obviously, there's no 718 anymore. Uh, which was 3,700 sales first half of last

[19:22] >> Porsche 911 strong. >> You know what it feels like for Porsche? >> You know what it feels like for Porsche? >> Feels like 1992. >> They were circling the drain. >> Luckily, we got whatif 12 more years

[19:37] before the Cayenne comes out. >> What do you mean luckily? That the Cayenne changed the world. Same Porsche and it has a low range. Maybe 12 years will that will change the trajectory will come out again.

[19:51] >> Yeah. >> Next news story, please. [laughter] >> This is the Nissan Ultima. The Nissan Ultima is dead after this year. >> Uh which leaves a single sedan in Nissan's lineup. The Sentra. The Sentra

[20:04] >> anything sacred? >> Is anything sacred? >> I mean, the Fultima is so old. It's such a We were all surprised when it stayed around for 2026. is anything sacred. The Ultima is an

[20:16] incredibly popular car. You see them everywhere. It's unbelievable. instead. It works out. >> First, they cancel the fourth generation Pathfinder Hybrid after just one model year, 2014, and then they cancel the

[20:31] Ultima. How could they do this to us? I was on the Pathfinder hybrid launch. I gave my time for that car. >> Yeah, it was in Nashville. Of course it >> Yeah, it was in Nashville. Of course it was. Uh that's where um

[20:45] >> the Ultima being dead is a little bit surprised that there's not a replacement. Their view is we made the Sentra bigger. Therefore, it can play in this segment that we think is dying. Unfortunately, enterprise left.

[20:57] when I I'm going to tell you guys a story. When I was 14 years old, we always talk about the mid200s being this like seinal point in car enthusiast history. It was it was an incredibly important point in Nissan's history,

[21:10] too. I was 14 years old when the 2002 Ultima came out. FIPO, pull up or Ken, thing. >> The best car. The best car. >> The 2002 Ultima saved Nissan as a company. Look at that.

[21:24] >> There it is. Now, that's a 2.5 SL. That was a rare trim, but um >> The the V6 was really the the hot rod of the whole situation. It was fast and efficient. >> And um this car saved Nissan. That's a

[21:38] V6. That's a 35SE. That was the right car. It saved Nissan. And here we are all these years later saying goodbye to this car. As if just

[21:51] tossing in the side in the wind. >> Yeah, pretty much. Uh there are some little bit interesting. They'll have they also killed the Rogue hybrid or was an Outlander. The actual Rogue E power, which is doesn't really matter.

[22:07] You don't care, Canon, uh is coming out next year. Uh they also have some the two. There's some other things entering, but the lineup is kind of sparse for a few years and very very light on sedans and cheap cars. I can't believe this.

[22:20] Now, the Rogue, they have the Rogue and the and the misnamed Rogue Sport, which convince consumers that it's its own product, which it is. >> the Versa, by the way, also dead after just throwing out.

[22:33] >> The Versa's dead. Kenan, what do we have left in this world? If the Tyon is gone, >> right? How am I going to identify very risky drivers [laughter] with the big >> They're going to drive. No, I mean, those people drive used Ultimas. Those

[22:48] Ultimas with the long turn signal >> with the CVT that somehow hasn't blown >> but it's going >> uh can you name the >> currently? >> Yeah, I have it up. I I didn't need it,

[23:02] make right now. There are >> I can name them all. >> There are seven SUVs and three cars on their website. Three of these are dead. >> I can name them all. You ready? Yeah. >> All right, go ahead. Rogue.

[23:15] >> All right, go ahead. Rogue. >> Yep. Rogue Sport >> Yes. >> Um, Pathfinder. >> Aira, >> Armada.

[23:29] >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Whatever. I However you say it. Um, Frontier. >> Yep. >> Ultima Versa. Leaf. Oh, Leaf is an SUV >> Yep. Leaf is an SUV. >> Arya. Is Arya still on there? Oh, AR is

[23:45] >> I know it's dead, but sometimes they leave it on the website. I mean, I'm >> two SUVs. They're two two of their strong selling SUV models. >> Two of their uh um uh [sighs] >> And you've named many that don't exist,

[23:59] like the Rogue Sport. [laughter] >> Uh okay, hit me. What are they? >> Oh, yeah. >> And the Morano, obviously. Uh >> Morano's dead, too. They still >> It exists. Um, but also miss the Nissan

[24:14] >> Uh, yeah. So did the consumers. All right, move on to the next news story, >> Oh, man. This is a disturbing grand. >> Folks, this is a huge news story. The Grand Tour is back. We have Thomas James and the Train Fellow. [snorts] And when

[24:29] is it premiering, Filipo? It looks like >> September 4th, Labor Day. Mark your calendars. Instead of having a cookout with your with your friends and your neighbors, put on the grand tour. Take take here's what you do. You take a bed

[24:42] sheet. You hang it from your from your roof. You get a projector and then when you're having your cookout, you project the grand tour, right? So that everyone in your neighborhood can see it. Do do you agree with that, Filippo?

[24:55] the things that they've announced will be episodes, >> please? I'm very curious. >> All right. Uh apparently from Amazon's on the Grand Tour. Crossing the Angolan desert in track cars.

[25:09] >> Exploring Malaysia's vibrant car culture. >> Uh heading to California to test cutting edge performance cars. Zinger only one. >> Uh and then challenging fighter pilots and even an entire nation's legal

[25:22] >> That sounds good. >> That sounds good. I don't understand see I mean I'm Look, I'm very happy to give the give them a shot. Of course, we see how this trio works together. >> I'm excited about it.

[25:35] would definitely give it a shot. Um, I know there's a lot of angst on the internet right now about this and it is impossible to follow up the other trio >> Could be the same thing. Yeah. >> Can you pull up the proton PDA? This is

[25:48] >> Talk about Malaysia. >> Yeah. Pull up the Proton Pardana. P E R D A N A. Proton Purdana. >> Wait. >> Now exploring Malaysia's car culture. Folks, you don't even have to watch the

[26:01] Grand Tour, although you should. Uh, >> which generation is is this just a it. >> No, it depends on the year. I'll tell >> There you go. Zoom in on that. Zoom in on that. Folks, this is the Proton

[26:15] Purdana. Now, I don't know if you are aware of this, but it's a Honda Accord. >> um isn't >> Wait, it doesn't depend on the year. It it stayed as a Honda Accord, but they just changed the look of it a lot. But

[26:31] it's still a Honda Accord. Look at that. That is a That is just like a 2012 Honda [laughter] Accord. This is Malaysia's car culture right >> Some some regal tillets. Um, >> you But you see the in the doors. It's a

[26:43] >> Yeah, >> I see a lot of regal here. character line. >> Malaysia's car culture involves this >> Malaysia's car culture involves this company Proton taking old Japanese

[26:55] designs and making them into like their, you know, like selling them as new cars. tell us about this. He's going to do a much better job explaining it than I did. Philippo, [snorts] are you going to watch? Of course, I'm very excited. Uh I

[27:08] James Englesman texted me the other day and said you consistently text you you so I appreciate that James. [laughter] Thank you. number? >> Uh he he Instagram DM' me to be fair but

[27:23] still [laughter] close enough. You can you can you know you >> I got his number. Okay. Now I don't have train guy's number. [snorts] Francois >> but it's got it's in Britain, so it's got a lot of digits. I don't I think

[27:37] single-handedly started a Honda Fit or Honda Jazz craze. And I don't know if it was his doing or if you followed the craze, but the Honda Jazz in the UK is >> Really? >> Yeah. Incredible. Which as it should be

[27:51] >> All four generations. >> Our friend Kevin got one. I think the first Yeah, we should get jazz badges for him. Don't you think? We should. >> We should. That'd be a good one. Here's an interesting factoid for you. Are you

[28:04] aware that that Honda Fit Jazz was called the Honda life in China? >> mean, you're just full of obscure facts today. [laughter] >> Uh, should we move forward? >> Maybe. I No, wait. Go back a little bit.

[28:17] time. They >> were excited. I I'm I'm quite hopeful teasers coming out that >> Ken, are you watching this? I yeah I am

[28:29] and see how it goes. Like like I said, I'm not I really hope they don't try to really hope they do their own thing. I'm very curious how these three work I'm not sure how >> France

[28:45] the train guy. >> Yeah, I mean I follow him and his enthusiasm for trains is fascinating, but I am like curious about how that's can't have a camera like here looking down on us. That's his thing. Like

[28:59] looking distorted. Like I just don't know exactly what how he's going to Harris, >> what happened to Chris Harris? That's a show. What was it? >> Top Gear may have heard of it. Um

[29:12] >> well, I don't know. Let me tell you my experience with Top Gear and Grand Tour. one that was with Clarkson and James May and the other the short fellow Hammond and it was wonderful. And then they went on Amazon and I kind of lost touch with

[29:25] those guys. So when they went on Amazon, I still referred to that as Top Gear, but then there was a different Top Gear that went on with the UK with with Joey Is this about correct? >> Yeah, pretty much.

[29:38] >> Okay. >> So Chris Harris was on Top Gear after >> Yeah. Yes. >> And did that end? >> It did. Not only did he stop doing that, but the whole show ended.

[29:51] >> You should bring that back. Why don't we bring that back? The three of spin-offs that I think have come back and forth, but the Grand Tour. >> Well, Top Gear did in fairness. Like, it went away. [clears throat]

[30:03] >> Top us. Um, it'll be interesting, right? I think you can't compare it to what it was. I also didn't necessarily love all the Grand Tour episodes. I don't know don't whatever. Uh, it'll be interesting to see what it comes out as. I think

[30:15] people have to go in with an open mind, but hopefully we see more but teasers, sense of what it will feel like. >> People are fickle. Like it's it's a hard people, but I am absolutely willing to give it a chance just like I gave Top

[30:27] USA. Shout out to producer Sean who made that back in the day. I gave that a chance. I did stop watching eventually, but I will still give this a shot. >> I'll tell you this. I think we're gonna give him a run for our money because

[30:40] and we got a buddy Kevin who's got a Honda Fit Jazz City Life and [laughter] we're gonna run over that too. So that's >> it's very tall.

[30:52] >> It's not that tall. It's not It's >> likeite incline. Also, you can't kill a fit. It's not allowed. It's too space efficient. It's not fair. >> All right, keep going. Let's talk about the to-do list item that survives every

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[32:26] another topolino news. 9 seconds to make this interesting. Filipo. >> All right. the the fiio has says that they want to go after younger uh people with the with the topolino in Europe. It there are countries where you can have a

[32:40] >> didn't happen. Uh they might come out with an abarth thing. They said it would be really cool to have an abarthino. >> Would you buy that? >> Absolutely not. But maybe somebody would >> maybe instead of 20 miles of range,

[32:53] it'll get 14 miles of range, >> but it'll be faster. So instead of getting to 60, maybe it'll still not get to 60. communities in the US where it will it will legitimately sell. Not saying do

[33:06] >> Uh yeah. Um in in Europe, there's this whole market of small cars that aren't don't require a full license to drive, which is where this plays. Uh but apparently they've mostly been getting mid-40s people. You know, I think it'll

[33:19] >> It's an interesting point that you mentioned that. If we were in Europe, three-wheel Fiat 500s? >> No. He could be on a bicycle, obviously. Fiat 500. >> You know what I'm talking about.

[33:32] converts V500s to three wheels and removes the 500 EV ease if memory serves. So, three wheels and or four >> Are you aware of this, Kennon? >> So, that you could I was unaware of

[33:45] a >> It's [laughter] Germany, like three wheels is like a different driver's license qualification. Some Germans are going to write in and give us the precise reason

[33:57] the law and the days in which you can drive it in >> per year. But but there's some company that does this in Germany and uh for to was a German boy

[34:10] >> instead [snorts] of an Italian boy. Look at that happy German kid. Pull in. Zoom kid. So happy my son today will learn how to drive in a car with the wheels are in the wrong place. [laughter] But he saves so much money. It's wonderful.

[34:23] There you go. Now we're getting the Topelino. All right. Give us our next one. >> Oh, yes. Are you rich? Do you want to go fast? So, there's a new McLaren. >> There's so many cars that are

[34:35] >> I know is the king of it, and this is the latest in that edition. So, this is the 788HS. Uh, this is going to be a limited them, 100 coups, 100 convertibles. It makes 777 horsepower. Um, the torque is

[34:49] the the same as its predecessor, but HS stands for high. >> Wait, what is its predecessor? Is its predecessor the 750S or the 765 LT? predecessor the 750S or the 765 LT? >> 7 750S. So, it's go 720S, then 765LT,

[35:01] >> Replacement, right? There's like the high like the 750S exists. Just a high >> Well, they're well, they're saying this is the end of the line. This is this is platform, which has been around since 2011, I think, which is kind of hard to

[35:14] >> Not quite that long. We're not going not that long. So it's like 2015 I think 2017 something like that. But 2017 I assaulted Ameilia Island for but yeah this >> I mean so it's

[35:27] it's another McLaren like to me it looks like yet another McLaren. I am I I don't is going away. I think it is actually one of their better platforms but >> life progresses. >> Life progresses. Same recipe as always.

[35:41] >> Here's a 720S thought for you. I was having dinner with my friend Lucas the >> and uh we we we we this the following thought hit us. You know how the Ferraris [clears throat] there are always people who like

[35:54] perfectly preserved. So there's like seven mile Ferraris and and like 2,000mi available because there's like preservation people for Ferraris. the year. You can always find like a low mileage everything. There is no one

[36:09] doing that with McLaren. [laughter] Like like there is no guy who in his in his collection, you know, all plugged into tenders in their car covers has like a se a 720S. Like every 720S is out there getting wrapped and tuned and bad

[36:24] wheeled and like all of them are in that situation. And it's going to be like like first genardos where you literally cannot find a nice one because they do cannot find a nice one because they do not anymore exist. It does not exist. No

[36:39] one saved them. They were all bought by Bitcoin guys who wanted to go fast. They were all tuned. The the interiors are ripped up. The the paint is bad. The headlights the panels are misfit. That's the future of every McLaren.

[36:53] >> That's such an interesting point. I'd never really consider that, but you're >> You will not see nice now. You still can see nice ones now 720S's but I think owners next owners over these next few years and a car there won't be a single

[37:08] nice one in [laughter] existence. >> So maybe some one person please tuck one >> but [laughter] yeah it's all right. Well, I think but I think the like the higherform the high performance more limited edition those are

[37:20] different story. But I mean like the the 570S, the 720S, all the like regular performance McLarens are all just going to get beat up, put driven hard, tuned. >> That is so interesting because like with

[37:34] all Ferraris like like you could find I drove a 1900 mile 308 that we sold on the site like they all Ferrari models there's an example of that and there you the hushed room with Ferraris plugged into tenders and, you know, soft

[37:48] lighting. That guy does not have any McLarens. That guy does not want any an F1 of course, >> but he ain't getting a 720S. [laughter] >> No. Or 788 HS probably. Um, are these

[38:02] >> They they are for sale. Um, but like I said, they're only going to be 200 of one. >> I know you're the guy who likes to go represents a pretty significant production run when when you're thinking

[38:16] I think you will be able to get one Filippo if you would like to get one. something like that. >> They didn't announce pricing. There's >> Great. >> Give us the final news story. The most

[38:28] important of all. >> Uh here this this one is for you Doug. story. I don't think this is an important one. So Lamborgh, their chief past week and he said that they're going to continue to make Strorado versions.

[38:41] They want to continue to make crazy additions of their cars. Now, he cited says, quote, "We have customers that live in the country. We have customers who use their cars to hook up a trolley with the horses, so they need a car to

[38:53] >> And that's his argument, an attempt at a rational argument, which maybe is a very >> I don't know, man. >> It's crazy. But they did specifically talked about. You said they should do a stra version of the Urus. they should do

[39:07] a specific off-road version. And they said that's what the car is. It already exists. At its core, it is built to do that. So, unfortunately, you're not here for them doing more like crazy weird. I think they lift should be

[39:20] It's It's fun that they >> Isn't it great the irony Volkswagen Group is cancelling the Jetta, shuttering factories, but they're going sports car. >> Great optics

[39:33] >> right? >> Yeah. Filipo, you ever hook up a >> Uh, I don't even know what that means in the context of a Huracan Strada. the context of a Huracan Strada. [laughter]

[39:46] here for these cars. I do think that is one of the most compelling versions of the Huracan. So, if they make those with the John Tamaran, I'll be happy about >> Stra was not a strong seller. I'm surprised they're going to do more, but

[39:58] kind of going to be a different car with the John Tamaran because it's such a heavy car. Um, and it's such a big car that it probably won't quite feel as expensive. The the the Strato, the Huracan Strato was a pretty cool market

[40:12] segment. It was It was a V10 still. It was relatively affordable compared to everything that has come later. Um, it was kind of a cool little thing. It was kind of live, dynamic, athletic. >> All right, give us our actual final news

[40:26] >> folks, this is the biggest and most important news story of the week. And its LFA to Goodwood and we all discovered that it's it doesn't make sound, FO, is because it is >> electric, but this is not a discovery.

[40:39] >> This is a discovery. No, they they've announced it already, but we all thought showed it to us and we said, "Oh my god, they're telling the truth." going to explain I'm going to explain my thoughts, and Ken, you can agree with

[40:51] them. Uh, [laughter] the previous LFA is agreed by everyone the previous LFA is agreed by everyone to be an utterly mediocre automobile with the exception of its powertrain and engine note. Those were the only

[41:07] distinguishing and fantastic characteristics it had on the it was it was this level of car with this level of powertrain and engine note. And so for the new one, what they've decided to do is remove the only positive thing about

[41:22] thinking this? >> It it's Okay, so it's not the only car on this uh platform. There's also the the GR GT, which is V8. Doesn't that >> Yes, that does. So, I think what they're trying to do is they really want the GR

[41:37] Toyota umbrella. It is indeed a standalone brand in Toyota's eyes even though the only GRs are the Rav 4 and the Corolla in the US. >> No, I don't have a reason, but I think what they're trying to do is like have

[41:51] like they want to differentiate the Lexus offering and just making it more luxurious. Doesn't make sense to them. They want the GRGT to be the sporty V8 track car and they want the L to be >> learn from the Lexus LC which offered a

[42:03] >> Yes. And then they canled the hybrid because it was purchased by 11 total human beings over a 10ear span. >> All they're hoping to sell is like 12 they'll sell that. They'll sell them the same way they sold the LFAS, which was

[42:17] same way they sold the LFAS, which was to Lexus dealers as a as a as a carrot that if they if they sold if they bought an LFA, they would give them more RX allocations. However, >> if they want to sell to actual

[42:29] enthusiasts, we want a V10. Canon, tell the look into the camera and tell the V10 >> manual. transmission. That would have been nice. That was the worst part of the LFA in

[42:41] transmission. >> I know. If the LFA had PDK, it wouldn't >> And now they're a million dollar. So, >> and this will be an EV because they call it the vanguard of the electrification for Toyota.

[42:58] >> The vanguard of electrification. The problem is enthusiast. That is literally a quote from their PR team. >> Enthusiasts don't want electrification. Like ultimately we we learned this about

[43:10] the new NSX which we've all been waiting for for the market to realize is such a the market still hasn't realized it because it's people don't want that. People don't want it. Filippo, tell the market what tell the world what

[43:23] >> I don't Here's the issue that they run into. I don't think enthusiasts care into. I don't think enthusiasts care about a Lexus sports car and so why try? like a million5. What are you talking about?

[43:38] >> if they had made this a V10 and and the funny thing is Lexus is like Lexus is like the only brand who can because their emissions and carbon situation is so beautifully green. They're like greener than than than Filippo when he's

[43:53] listening to NPR and composting. I'm serious. They're like it's like a situation. >> Lexus has surprisingly few EVs. They have two new EVs, the ES and then the three row which is called something. Um

[44:06] three row which is called something. Um >> they have the they have the BZ4XRZ. >> Importantly, they have an enormous number of hybrid cars and they sell. probably vast majority of sales are >> the RZ did get a refresh. I apologize.

[44:20] >> Yeah, remember it got more range and it doesn't look as bad anymore. three the TZ that's what it's called. >> Uh regardless, >> Aren't we upset about this? You guys are not as outraged as me.

[44:33] >> Don't give a >> Well, because I either now. This was like >> the GRGT will exist. If you want a twin turbo V8, if you want a 911 GC300, which is what they're building,

[44:46] is what they're building, >> I want a V10. I want an NA V10. Like, like GT, like the original, like the like the the Ford E350. That's what I want.

[44:59] >> thank you for adding the Ford 3 E350. That's what I was pushing you towards. >> I want a church van. >> It's a good way to get you, you know, you want a V10, just go to your local U-Haul. You got one available to you at

[45:11] most. >> Has anybody ever straight piped or like put a great exhaust on one of those on one of those big old V10s? four-wheel drive conversion and some other mods. They're cool.

[45:24] >> Uh, that is our final news story for the [clears throat] day. [sighs] Thank god. quite a slo to get through. A lot of bad things there honestly. >> We have to move on to the top cars segment. Uh which of course is brought

[45:37] segment. Uh which of course is brought to you by bad decisions from Lexus. manufacturer. >> No, other manufacturers are doing great. Let's go through them all. Okay. Acura. Well, no, not so great. Audi. Oh,

[45:50] Well, no, not so great. Audi. Oh, they're dishing the Q2. [laughter] >> It's going to be a tough a tough list here. Aston Martin's doing wonderful things. Um although they need a Gwagon competitor. Um okay. The talk car

[46:04] segment is brought to you by Aston Martin's Gwagon competitor. Um Filippo, Yes. >> All right. Ken, I want your take. It's >> All right. Uh friend of Cars and Bed Steve recently got got rearended, but he

[46:18] really helpful in his like insurance argument. He like sees a C63 coming up behind him and hitting his his R8 very clearly. I don't have any dash cams in my vehicles. I used to, but then the one time I needed it to work, it didn't work

[46:34] cheapest one I could. bought >> Yeah, 100%. I am debating adding dash cams at the very least to the 911 front and rear. What I'm Is it Is it worth it?

[46:47] And is it worth like the effort of routing the cords and like pulling down >> people plug it into like the rearview mirror power to have it be always powered? Is it worth that work? >> Yes.

[47:00] >> Uh yes. Ryan Schultz and I did I've had mine in my M5 almost since I got it. Uh and to be honest, it has I haven't needed it for anything really. Like I haven't been touched by an accident of any kind. Um, I will say it is also

[47:16] accident, you can submit that on their to the to the police as well to help you. >> There's also another benefit. >> Another >> if you have a dash cam, Nick Roshan will

[47:29] he's afraid of being caught on camera saying some of his usual stuff, >> right? Crazy Nick. And so, it's one more it's one more thing. He's so afraid of

[47:41] right here on the podcast with three cameras pointed directly at him and he >> What? >> What's the problem? Was that wrong? Was >> Let me choose another politically incorrect point to make to make up for

[47:56] >> I won't say that thing about women. Let's just talk about gays. [laughter] >> That's funny. Um, but no, I think it like I think it is useful especially the

[48:08] car of your price level now. I think it is worth doing. Uh I would invest in a mediocre. >> Yeah, I bought a good one. >> You will never do this. You haven't even upgrade your wheels or untinted your

[48:21] >> Your car except for the Seoia where it came from the factory. cars. >> I don't drive much. >> I drive. My problem is I split my driving around between nine cars and I'm

[48:35] that's kind of the end of the situation right there. my wife's car cuz I don't think it would be >> Some things you want the liability of. [laughter]

[48:47] >> It's it's better if there's no video evidence. Uh somebody should make like a like recharge the battery and then it doesn't need to be plugged into >> Yeah. No, Filipo. They do you know what it's called? your cell phone.

[49:00] >> there you get recording the whole time. Those file sizes would be huge. Like that. There >> Well, you deleted if nothing happened. >> Yeah. So, every time you get out, you

[49:14] go, "Okay, nothing happened. Delete." That's right now talking about What's the difference? >> Well, here I'll tell do it. Just do it right. If you're going to do it, do it right. I don't want to pull in the

[49:27] entire time I've known him. >> I don't want somebody else. Kenon, Filippo has never done something right. He has always looked for a second rate. I'm not I'm not like he's always looked for a second rate like quicker,

[49:42] exception. >> Always. you. Most of what I've done with is capture wild things I see on the road or I capture when I tore the front bumper off my M5. But like, yeah, it I

[49:56] sorry to Steve that that happened to him. Um, but yeah, it can be useful in >> Philippo, if you had to drive a modern Buick, which one would it be? >> not new. Not a new Buick, but a modern. >> Modern.

[50:11] >> Um, Regal Tour. >> Yep, that's the right answer. >> Fair. Good car. >> Fair. Okay. Uh, move on to our next talk car segment. Kenon, uh, before we go any

[50:23] further, I'm curious. How's, uh, how's business going there? You, you launched now. >> Yeah. Are we allowed to talk about this, Sean's going to yell at me later. Ken, tell us about your business. I don't

[50:35] >> So, the way I can answer this really is that I have been sent a ton of cars. So, thing I I didn't do is I didn't say I wanted to work in California me their cars from all over today. a Ferrari like not pictures of their car

[50:48] like >> No, just the actual automobile. >> So, someone sent me a Tessterosa that arrived this morning from Johnson City. >> Johnson City, Tennessee. >> Johnson City, Tennessee.

[51:00] already. >> Yeah, I mean, there aren't that many of There might be one. >> Oh, there might be one. >> There's a Johnson City in Texas, >> but Well, yeah, this one further. It

[51:13] to country music, it's always Tennessee. >> So that car came I got So what it means So that car came in I have an E46 M3 with 28,000 miles. I can see over with 28,000 miles. I can see over shoulder. Um I have a it's sold on cars

[51:25] coming with like 5,800 miles. You remember this car? The red one? >> Yes, of course. >> I love that car. You >> Yes. And that car is coming back again. >> Where did it go? It was from New Mexico.

[51:37] >> It went all the way to exotic Tmacula. And that's where that's coming down to a Kevin, do >> you have any Buicks? manual DV9 that's coming. Like I have a lot of So, I've been driving a lot of

[51:50] like right now have a Continental GTC V8 that's live, which I had that's point I drove around in this thing recently. The W12 is awesome, but it is scary to own. But the way the V8 delivers power is impressive. It reminds me a lot of the

[52:05] W12. Like the way >> the V8 didn't exist. If the V8 didn't exist, we would just be the the V8. If the W12 didn't exist, the V8 would be beloved in that car. But when you once you've been in the W12, you're like,

[52:18] >> But then you factor back in what it's actually like to own. [laughter] >> Well, I I you're probably that's probably true. And the V8, isn't the V8 products? >> Beauty of that car is it's the RS7

[52:31] pictures underneath it and it's like Audi everywhere. It's It's >> From a reliability perspective, it's better. But like as you can see with the car behind Fippo, I like to own the thing. You know what

[52:43] >> I I I hear you. But like it is interesting. >> Thank god. >> I drove a Flying Spur V12 W12 Flying final edition final edition final edition.

[52:57] >> I never take the press cars on personal trips. I think I have a whole thing just love and I knew I would never own one myself. Anyway, the point is I agree with you. The V8 is great. It does build power well. It feels good. It's got a

[53:10] power well. It feels good. It's got a lot of torque, but the W12 is God. It's >> I I don't disagree, but I was just I was like really I was impressed with that the scuttle shake like actually bothered

[53:22] >> It was It's really pronounced in that car. If the road isn't perfectly smooth, some of the worst roads around. It does cruising around top down in a GTC V8 and like the engine sounds good and like I I

[53:35] car. But so far the highlight of the ones that have come is like the then it's going to get a little bit of reconditioning uh elite finish and then it'll come back down here and it'll be on the site soon. It also has 98,000

[53:49] >> It comes with service documentation. Like I've never seen anything like it and it was owned by like the Tessterosa man on Ferrari chat for 23 years. So it's like the one. But nonetheless, like it is so I'm just like I just have to

[54:01] say like I am so positively overwhelmed and just humbled by the response. I had there have been some headaches and stuff, but like I'm just having the greatest time driving these really cool cars and like finding them new homes.

[54:14] brought to like delivered to you get to see them, experience them, present them >> I have seven to be clear that have arrived. It's like we're we're busy over >> any Hyundai scoops, >> you know, someone submitted one. I said,

[54:28] just send this to Filippo. >> Yeah, send it to me personally. >> Send it to Filipo personally or Sean at [email protected]. You know, >> any Fiat Fremonts? >> Not yet. I don't know what that

[54:40] >> It's It's the Dodge Journey. And in Italy, I saw a Fremont and I just felt >> That's tough. >> It was It is not the Dodge Journey. >> Oh, really? [clears throat] >> It is the Fiat Fremont. God. Um,

[54:54] sorry. Uh, it's very similar to the car sold here as the Dodge Journey. [laughter] Very similar. Couple small differences. >> Are you tell me that the launch of Voyager is the Chrysler Town and

[55:09] >> Pacifica. Yeah. >> The launch of Voyager, please. >> Don't. We got We have to >> pull up a picture of the launch of looks like. I just want to see it right now.

[55:22] >> Which is also so sad because the European minivans were great. >> This is the country that this is the company. This is the company that brought us the Delta into Growle. This

[55:34] is what they've become. They're giving us highquality vans. To be fair, isn't van certainly wasn't sold as a Volkswagen. Let me tell you. thing a rally stage and you'll see what that Launchia badge can do for you.

[55:48] consumerfriendly product. No other car in the launcher lineup, I think, had even folding seats, much less stow and go folding seats. >> What tra what motor did that have in the >> launcher?

[56:01] 2.8 L multi-jet uh diesel. >> The VMI diesel. >> Oh, it's a 4 cylinder turbo diesel. Wow. >> I think they're also VM ones. >> 150 horsepower. Oh, that must be an absolute trash.

[56:15] else in Europe. 10 seconds 0 to 60. It works. >> I'm guessing. God far from the Delta Negry. Listen, I got an announcement. Sean, perk up. >> Put Put down your words with friends,

[56:29] Sean. And perk up. [laughter] I'm making I'm making a lot of >> Yeah. >> And [snorts] I think one of my big three will be affected. >> Whoa.

[56:43] [laughter] >> You're just going to that thing? Give us sentence. >> Um >> Um um I will be doing something

[56:58] >> Well, thank you for that. >> That was helpful. have any talk cars to add and I don't want to. Sean gets mad at me when I >> He wants it to be in a video so we can make more money. We're already making

[57:12] money. Sean comes to me. He says, he says, "We we make already we make money, money?" That's what Sean says when he calls me. >> To be fair, every morning I call Sean 6 a.m. and just say, "How are you going to

[57:25] make us more money today?" And so, it's only fair that he relays that. >> How are we making money today? >> More money, not more money. The more is important. I remember when I worked at Porsche, there was a guy who was total

[57:37] position on the operations floor and he was totally out of his element and uh he had no idea what was going on. And he walked he used to walk out from his office every day and go to the guy who did all the the shipping because the

[57:51] get shipped from the port to the dealer. That's when we would make money as Porsche. And he would walk out to that guy and say, "Hey, how we doing today?" [laughter] every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. And of course, it

[58:04] was always about the same, you know, like every [laughter] day. There was no >> I remember I remember >> we're already sitting at port. conversations go with Sean. >> The owner of the exotic car dealership I

[58:17] worked at would walk in every day, guys, what are we selling? That was the selling? >> And same question as yesterday. affected. All right, let's move on to the market report, which of course is

[58:29] brought to you by Cars and Bids. Uh, Cars and Bids is the leader in automotive selling and buying. >> Yep. Um, all right. Can I start by talking about an E63 AMG wagon? >> Look at that 996 Turbo. Click on that 96

[58:43] >> By the time this airs, it will be sold. It's currently at $146,000, which >> Yep. >> If you're watching this right now, you missed your chance for the best 996 turbo in history. a bright color and an

[58:57] X50 and a low miles. You missed your chance. if it goes up a little bit from where we're at. There's been bids kind of auction, including the last day or so as we're filming this. Uh

[59:11] want a 96 Turbo? [snorts] >> No. >> Uh I do want I do want one, but we've we've in our group, we've everybody's our friend group, Edison, he's getting rid of it. You're going to get rid of

[59:23] because I've bought a better car, the MarkV Supra Turbo. >> Better is a really strong word. >> Does a lot that word a lot of lift. >> It just depends on how you use the car and the way I use my car. The Supra is

[59:37] better. Um, but >> the turbo. >> Well, what do you mean? I take my kids and my dog. The tur my Supra turbo I I the driving experience is is is fourth on my list of priorities for that car.

[59:51] 993 Turbo, but more importantly, it's more reliable, cheaper to own, and it looks 10 times cooler. And I know that that agree might not be agreed by opinion, in the opinion, I think of the general car enthusiast, a MarkV Supra

[1:00:06] Turbo is cooler looking than a 993 twin turbo. I know this is sacrilege on ren >> You're getting your accounts banned. >> I think I think once you experience Yeah, it's I think you're going to be bored of that car in six months tops.

[1:00:20] But but I don't understand you. I'm But I I use it to take my kids and my dog around. I think you think I think that your problem is that you think that every car has to be like the best driving experience, but there are some

[1:00:35] like my Sequoia I'm obsessed with it. It does this enormous amount of things and but it is the best at delivering other things that I need it for. Do you like if you're if you're buying a fun sports car to transport your kids and the

[1:00:49] as they won't be in the car all of the time and you I'm taking >> we we prize looking cool differently but regards I want to talk about that >> wagon I prize enjoying it myself as

[1:01:02] >> I have three cars or maybe less than three or maybe more than three I don't >> that I already do that with this has a different purpose Ken I'm going to >> oh someday >> automotive purpose

[1:01:15] I have one car [snorts] that does it all, some would say. Um, but talk about it. This is really cool. >> This is a 6 manual swap. The first one Obviously, our friend Nick Roshan has a different six-speed manual swapped. Uh,

[1:01:27] different six-speed manual swapped. Uh, >> 55, not same drive, uh, prefaceelift. Uh, $61,000. Clearly, the market really, really, really loved the idea of a manual swapped wagon and also probably some of the the other mods here uh that

[1:01:40] were generally quite high quality, desirable. Ken, you want one car that >> This is one car that does it all, including have a shift knob from uh what is Yeah, that's okay. That is tough that that's the only one available. But

[1:01:53] >> yeah, but it it is so cool. I I was obviously we knew it would do well, well on cars and beds. All sporty wagons do well on cars and beds. All manual they've built it was going to do well, but I am a little bit surprised by how

[1:02:07] much this went for. I I was This exceeded certainly my expectations. >> um >> in the future, but also I wonder if Like it's doable. It's a proven concept. There are multiple shops that are

[1:02:21] There are multiple shops that are swapping uh Mercedes the the the M13. some proof. >> Curious about I'd like to see >> you know what I'd like to see is a 65 motor swapped into that car.

[1:02:35] >> Yeah. >> I don't Does the the the Nov2 was ever >> No. >> No. And so I don't think like I'm not >> You think a manual was offered in the E63

[1:02:47] the engine bay. >> You could change the sizing of the engine bay. Haven't you seen dude the the the Renault Cleo V6? They took the engine out of the engine bay. All right. This weekend that's if that's the level

[1:03:00] of work product that you can do. Okay. Nothing is impossible. Felipe, have three rows and you can't put the third row in the front front of the back, it doesn't really work. >> That's a great idea. Here's Okay, now

[1:03:14] you're talking. Third row in the front and then make the engine the hood cover >> Oh, I was imagining no hood cover so that people could sit. >> No. No. >> Uh I am excited by I'm thrilled by the

[1:03:29] happening. We we've sold over our history cars and bids a bunch of really cool wagon builds. a B7 RS4 of build an E61 M5 build actually think we have an E61 M5 build actually think we have an E61 M5 build live right now an F an F31

[1:03:43] >> M3 build we also sold an F-31 with a Maserati engine swap there there's certainly interest in these uh that did so well this F-31 which was an M3 build

[1:03:55] swap clearly there's a lot of demand for cool performance wagons uh it'll be keep seeing that more and more and more a lot of wagons live >> lot wag. A lot of wagons live. What do you want to say about this LC500?

[1:04:09] >> Yeah, we just sold an LC500 for with 5,000 mi for about 17 grand over MSRP. >> I'm looking at >> I'm looking at the the this Grand Cherokee sold for 8 grand. Pull up this Grand Cherokee. I didn't buy this for

[1:04:23] eight grand. This is This is the worst moment of my life. Filippo. Filippo, save me, please. >> Oh, one owner. Filippo, this was the >> What are you doing? >> I thought about it. I thought it would

[1:04:36] >> lovely. >> In Woodland Hills, Arizona title. >> Wow. >> Look at the interior. It's like horrible >> Oh, it's so awkward. >> Filippo.

[1:04:49] toes. >> Uh, you know what missed out? You also missed out buying an LC500. >> You know what the problem with this car very different in terms of car. I rode in the in the back cargo area of that

[1:05:02] around the uh the Cape as a kid. I have fond memories of doing so. You got all these cross stories about how you were in Italy and you were in America. You got to pick a lane. Were you in Italy or were you in America?

[1:05:15] >> Both. Incredibly the these did not disappear on a certain year. They were >> Oh, yeah. No, they did. They absolutely [laughter] did. >> I was I I was here when they disappeared. Um that LC500, can you go

[1:05:27] >> Yeah, of course. Ah, we're already leaving the Jeep. A good 4 L Jeep. There >> This car, which was a middle in a in a great color, good build, uh, 5,000 mi, had a 110 sticker, so it's actually 20 grand more than sticker, which surely

[1:05:42] some point or another, right? They weren't that desirable. Brand new, but >> Uh, no. >> What? was last year. >> Really? I thought they were still in

[1:05:56] production for a little longer. You know, the LC500 thing feels like the here today knowing that this is a car remember I felt that way with the Heritage Land Cruiser. I know this car

[1:06:09] have a place for it in my life. I don't really want to park money in it. But I'm sitting here like literally in my mind, I can tell that this will be a desired enthusiast car for many years to come. >> Yeah, I really bought one. Maybe I

[1:06:21] >> It is surprising to see it still. It is still for sale. I'm sorry. I was wrong. 26th of the last year. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh um still for sale in pretty limited numbers is my understanding. Um

[1:06:33] >> I I don't it's rare that a car currently for sale or even just re recently out of sale sells for over MSRP when you can be pretty confident that Lexus dealers are not charging ADM on a product that's been out for seven years.

[1:06:47] >> NAV V8 that interior those look >> Yeah, it's really cool. >> Here's a question. Would you rather have that LC500 or that LC500 or that Grand Cherokee and and a flatbed

[1:07:02] tow truck? >> Let me do the math quickly. I carry the >> flat tow trucks ain't cheap, dude. I'm talking hydraulics, the whole thing. could help you, especially enclosed. >> Oh, I could be helpful on occasion.

[1:07:16] >> Uh, what happened with Sean's G? I didn't follow it. Where did that go? >> sold for 45. Uh >> Sean's G. Yes, producer Sean's G has gone on to a new home. 45 sold to somebody. What did he What was he in

[1:07:29] Did he lose money? My >> understanding is that he is has the very close to each other. >> So he he did like okay on this car.

[1:07:41] fallen a little bit compared to when he first bought it. I think that this color did resonate with people. Do we factor in his absolutely ridiculous trip to Oregon in order to purchase it where he >> I don't know that is Sean's mental

[1:07:54] accounting is qu suspect at best. So probably not. >> I use points so far. >> Oh, he used to fly. >> I'm surprised you could get a flight that fast with points to be honest.

[1:08:06] understanding, by the way, is that it's going to get some work done before going to the new owners. Um which is exciting. >> Is it going to be 4x4 squared converted Sean? It's going to nothing but G's. >> It's going to nothing but G's to get

[1:08:19] some rust uh taken care of. >> Okay. Up up up in Colorado. >> That's great. I think that's lovely, Sean. I think it'll be it'll it's great never were able to really sink your teeth into it.

[1:08:32] >> And for those who don't know, uh Sean has moved on to a 2000 Buick Century with a 3100. >> Uh he couldn't even splurge with a 3800. second. He was only offered in the Regal.

[1:08:47] difference is $10. >> He He [laughter] >> I'm going to I'm just going to tell you something. This is a true fact and it is a fact. There is no one currently driving one of those 3100 Centuries who

[1:09:02] driving one of those 3100 Centuries who bought it. They were all handed down [laughter] by a grandparent or a cousin or their dad's dealership had one, you came in on Trey. Like no one went searching for one and bought one. Have

[1:09:18] we ever sold one? Pull up a Buick. >> I think we have incred. My my wife growing up had a Buick Park Avenue that was indeed gifted by a grandparent and then she subsequently gifted it to a friend who's then subsequently gifted it

[1:09:32] >> That's what happened. >> That's what happens with these cars. This is a This is exactly the century I'm talking about. Nice 3100. >> Yep. >> Yep. Filiper.

[1:09:44] >> Filippo, when you look at this, do you period when you were both simultaneously in the United States and Italy? in the United States and Italy? >> Uh, I moved to the US in 2002.

[1:09:57] 065. >> I I I have nostalgia for this. Yeah. >> Let me ask you a question. You came to the US in 2002 as like a 12-year-old. Were you or 10year-old or sevenyear-old. When you came to the US and saw that

[1:10:09] this country had these cars, were you like, "Oh my god, we've made a terrible like, "Oh my god, we've made a terrible mistake." Um, uh, no. As a kid in still I had photos of like an XJ Cherokee that one of them owned.

[1:10:21] >> Uh, because it was like the coolest, biggest car I could fathom. [laughter] >> The coolest, biggest car. Then he were >> Time to move on to the questions. The questions are interesting this week.

[1:10:35] everybody can prepare ahead of time. However, I've been derelct. I actually pitched that to Sean and he told me I couldn't. So, uh, we're going to wing it >> Let's wing it. Let's wing it. Sean or Ken, you got questions?

[1:10:50] our >> No, I'm going to do them, but I'm not back to the No, no, don't look at the questions. Go back to the main page. This is going to be a new experience for all of us. All right, there's the main

[1:11:02] page. We got that 996 turbo. Looks pretty cool. So, from Cavalieri, this is explain how cash for clunkers changed the automotive landscape and market? Um this is a this is a hot topic among

[1:11:15] >> It really is. >> Yeah, it is. Yep. >> Uh because they think that it like destroyed everything and there are no more cheap used cars. >> And there is some truth to that. 400,000

[1:11:28] Ford Explorers were destroyed. Um which obviously it hurt those those of us who wanted to do a Jurassic Park build. >> But um I think that the damage of Cash for Clunkers is is done. I mean, those

[1:11:43] cars were all like early 90s cars. At this point, probably most of them would not be on the road anymore anyway. Um, but it did take off, admittedly, it did but it did take off, admittedly, it did take off the road a lot of um reliable,

[1:11:58] easy to work on, simple, mechanically simple used cars. And that was the goal of the program. The program was it was came out during the recession. And I came out. And I'll tell you, there's a there's a lot of differing opinions

[1:12:12] dealer when this program came out, this was a lifeline. Um, there were no was a lifeline. Um, there were no cars selling. And this program created an opportunity for automakers and dealerships and factory workers to get a

[1:12:27] little bit of a new pipeline of cars selling because basically the program was you traded in your old inefficient car and they gave you way more than it was worth in order to buy a new efficient car. And um a lot of you know

[1:12:41] ruined the car industry but actually at the time it was it was quite beneficial but it definitely did ruin the ability to have some of these cheap kind of older cars that could have been worked on. And so I do think it had some some

[1:12:56] people look at the list of cars traded in for on the cash for clunkers and they say well people traded in Land Cruisers. This was terrible. I mean like a few numbers of any of that stuff. But there was there was definitely an effect on,

[1:13:10] you know, those cars. But again, I mean, a lot of the cars traded in were late 80s, early 90s stuff that at this point are coming up on 35, 40 years old. You know, a lot of these cars would probably no longer really be on the market today

[1:13:24] >> or on the road anyway. >> And they're quite inefficient. And it >> And they're quite inefficient. And it did. We wouldn't have any 20092010 cars for sale today if [laughter] it weren't for the program. It It's a mixed bag

[1:13:36] intent was not a bad one. >> The there are a lot of know-it-all car and there were no benefits. There were benefits. There were also drawbacks. And that's the truth of any program like this. Um and and they knew that at the

[1:13:49] time. They knew at the time they were taking off the road. Now also it should into cash for clunkers. People see the raw numbers and don't understand. A lot of the cars traded in cash for clunkers were literal clunkers. Yep. So the rule

[1:14:03] running when you brought it to the dealership and if it was running then worked again I worked at worked at a Saturn dealership. A lot of our cars qualified for the rebate. >> Um you should have seen what people were

[1:14:17] bringing in as running. I mean these are cars that like were literally on their last legs puffing out smoke cylinder head. The last mile it did was to the >> although even cars, >> it wasn't, it wasn't just like really

[1:14:32] enthusiasts try to claim it was. I was, and trust me, I know I was literally there. I remember at the end of Cash for Clunkers when they came to round up the cars. All of us at the dealership did a a destruction derby with the crappy Cash

[1:14:47] for Clunkers cars in the dealers back lot because some of them were so utterly terrible. Yeah, >> they uh had to have been registered and drivable. They had to have under a certain uh

[1:15:02] >> fuel economy. Uh there was a requirement I think was 18 miles per gallon or >> there are cars that likely would not be running now period. Now I see some of those floor is pretty some of them would have been it did remove a lot of cars

[1:15:15] the cheap cars >> at that point but it also introduced a whole lot of new supply that would have been really hard and to some extent may have saved dealerships and the automotive industry in the US is not the

[1:15:28] only place that's happened. No one talks about this because car enthusiasts claim not to care about this, but like it did actually serve a significant effect also at at bringing more efficient cars on the road. Ultimately, millions of cars

[1:15:41] were traded in on millions of V8, you know, inefficient cars. Now, enthusiasts remember this was an Obama administration program and that was one other goals like stimulating the economy and that was one of their goals and and

[1:15:54] they achieved that goal as well whether or not the enthusiasts, you know, are important to maintain perspective on all issues and sort of look at nuance and of course we're talking about the electric LFA which is just bad

[1:16:08] >> or the luch. We didn't have to talk about the luch yet on this podcast this manual. I have an opinion on this. >> Oh yes, please. So for clarity, we talked last week about the um the manual. That's manualish.

[1:16:22] >> What's your opinion? It better be the same as our opinion. problem with it whatsoever. I think that it is and I which I think is reasonable which I I still haven't listened to last week's podcast a little busy but yeah I

[1:16:34] think I hope that they take that tech the reason they did it that way with it shift by wires that they then apply that to other models a manual 296 would be >> hard but um yeah I know there's more to it but that that's why they did it I

[1:16:49] suspect and didn't develop a manual transmission that could plus also like every the overriding opinion I everybody say is why did they just take the 599 transmission and put it's like The 599 made 612 horsepower. This thing makes

[1:17:01] That's like it's it's kind of it wouldn't work. That was our opinion last week on the podcast. We said that. I said that. Felipe said that. Nick said that. And then he made two racist jokes. So that

[1:17:14] racist. >> I Yeah, I omit the racism. >> Um but I you know I Yeah, [laughter] I am very into this. I I'll never get to >> I'm sure that will happen. But >> as long as it feels good. There's the I

[1:17:28] long as it does feel like a manual. If it feels synthetic or anything like >> Yep. >> Okay. Next question from Brat Machine >> Okay. Next question from Brat Machine Sam. Rank all Lexus GX generations.

[1:17:41] generation. >> There are three Lexus GX Generations. >> Not in my mind. There's only one, and it's the original. Pull up a nice 2009 GX 470. I Pull it up.

[1:17:56] >> Yeah. I mean, there's a lot of >> 08 one. This one. Sorry. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Modified white. Um, I never liked >> Really? >> I've never think of when I to be fair

[1:18:09] all had manuals and that was the coolest part. They were all manual transmission. >> Yeah. Yeah. You You know this obviously. Go to interior photo. >> Look at that manual. [laughter] >> Does look like a manual.

[1:18:22] with parts. >> Keep going. Keep going through those. little closer for people who can't see. Every GX from this era looks like it has a manual [laughter] trans if you walk at first. Yep.

[1:18:36] >> Why did they do that? It's bizarre. It's >> I'm into it. [laughter] >> If you look at it, look at that. Tell me that doesn't look [laughter] like >> totally.

[1:18:49] >> First off, so so they were all manuals. That was beneficial. but also the 2UZ. Ultimately, Falippo, I don't care what you say because this was the most reliable powertrain ever put in any automobile in the history of Toyota and

[1:19:02] it is therefore it is the GX. The other ones are simply a GX. that's fine. >> That's insane. I mean, I I don't What is

[1:19:15] and they're they're they're obviously inefficient and they don't have good >> to you, >> but they're well that's this is an robust. They're incredibly capable. They are unbelievably reliable. They're

[1:19:31] relatively luxurious. They're practical. Like what are you trying to get out of this car? >> Well, I'd like it to the beginning there. Uh >> you don't want it to be ugly. Well, I I

[1:19:43] Felipe, I got a deal for you. You go pick up a fourth gen 4Runner, same car. >> I agree with that. That's the issue. The >> The early ones were better looking, and then it kind of got worse. And then the

[1:19:56] new one, I'm not a big I'm not actually that it's very controversial to say, but >> Yeah, same. I also don't love the new Land Cruiser accordingly. >> Next question from Ian Greer. Dear Doug, love the pod. Doug and group love the

[1:20:09] pod. I hear you guys reference the mid200s as the peak of modern cars. Yes. curious why I don't hear any love for the 0405 06 GTO and the G8 GT and GXP.

[1:20:23] Absolutely. We we don't bring them up enough. I think because we Pontiac died about modern brands when we're talking about this stuff, but those were part of it. Those cars were absolutely part of it. In this era in '04, the mid 2000s

[1:20:36] when all the cars were cool, Pontiac revived the GTO. And then the next year even more power. And it's incredible. I mean, the the GTO actually came back and the G8 was incredibly cool. There were there was there was V8 power. It was a

[1:20:51] that. >> Look great. Thank Thank goodness >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, Australia, for giving us those cars and the Mercury Capri.

[1:21:06] >> yeah. Equally notable >> from 2008 E60 EKB. Dear Doug and friends, if you lived in Europe, what would you want to be your

[1:21:18] daily? >> Let's say we're in Milan for just for the sake of argument because that makes sense for all of us >> It does. It does. >> Let's say we're in Milan.

[1:21:31] >> Canon. Canon, what are you dailying? >> That's so hard. Does it have to be a brand new car or does it have Can it be anything? >> No. What do you want to daily? a hutmobile. You're there.

[1:21:43] >> I already do that. Um, let me see. Let's What would I want? >> It would certainly be a station like a small to midsize station wagon. Picture 308. I think it's a good looking car. The the DS station wagons also look

[1:21:57] honest, doesn't have any super compelling products. But I would also >> of any generation except for the newest one. >> Uh, sorry, Panda 4x4. Not the newest one, but everyone prior. Yeah,

[1:22:09] >> that and I think my sporty car would be a Fiat Panda 100. >> And honestly, none of them are that appealing. >> It all fits perfectly. Um >> I am who I am. I I'm just being true to

[1:22:23] >> Ken, give us Kenan, give us the truth here. [snorts] >> I'm really trying to think. I personally in in that city, I would love the Microlino. Isn't that the new electric like like BMW Isetta looking thing?

[1:22:36] >> You would drive that daily. You drive around on a new Isetta looking places. It's tiny. >> Milan is a big city. No, no, no, no. This it's this isn't like you're in you're in Fippo's bed.

[1:22:48] >> that I can use to cut around. >> But you also got to go to the outskirts. You're you're in Monza. >> If I'm in Monza. I don't I don't Well, I would >> I don't do automatics.

[1:23:01] >> You're not dailying that. You You're not dailying that in Europe for Give I want a real answer. What? You're in Europe today. You got to go buy a car station exists. >> I understand you have answered the

[1:23:15] question properly. Ken, you have your current budget and your I I'm trying to >> That would be expensive. >> What do you got? What are you getting? >> I don't know. I'm just trying to think of things that I would want that we

[1:23:28] French cars. >> What about a Polo GTI or a Polo uh exclamation mark would be fun, too. >> It's small. You're not a small car guy. >> No, but I feel in Europe I I look I I went to Europe. I had a big SUV which

[1:23:42] was fast and powerful and very fun. And boy was it perfect for the autobon. You were wrong about that. >> But I realized that in Italian cities definitely better." Actually, the new French electric what's the Renault the

[1:23:55] >> the the the Renault four or five both exist. I love they look great. >> The Rena 5 is cool. I would imagine there's be a lot of restrictive on to work.

[1:24:08] now. >> Yeah. Yeah. The Renault 5 is incredibly is? >> Uh a T-Rock convertible >> E39M5. >> Yeah. I can't really I already do it.

[1:24:22] smashed to bits there. >> You also can't pay for gas. >> No, it's actually only like 910 $10 a liter. Sorry, a gallon. It's actually >> There's a lot of a car that gets 11 miles to the gallon. Is that Fippo?

[1:24:37] Yeah, Philippo with three children. What would I get like an XC90? Is that what >> There's [snorts] a lot of There's a lot of like MPV type >> There really aren't that many. There's like the Mercedes vans. What else?

[1:24:50] >> No, no. What other minivan? Minivans are dead in Europe. They don't exist >> The minivans are dead, but like MPVs that have the the three rows still are still around. Uh, >> you think I'd have like a Citron,

[1:25:02] whatever the new big Citron is. >> You should have the Hyundai, whatever the wild looking. >> I'm not going to get a Hyundai just cuz >> The Star Hyundai.

[1:25:14] >> I'm in Milan now. I want to fit in. You know what I would get? Launcher Voyager. >> You want to fit in in a launch of Voyager? Good luck. >> Look at this. It's like a futuristic looking minivan,

[1:25:27] think I don't know. Is that even for sale in Europe? I see them in Asia. I saw him in Australia. >> No, it's it's good to go to Europe. >> Okay, final question. Final question from El Farah 03. Dear Doug, Filipo, I

[1:25:42] Dear Doug, you mentioned previous episode you may move towards having an future, and you wanted to know what contributed to your decision to want a Jeep over a Bronco. Is there a large difference in reliability, or does

[1:25:54] all? I'm going to get a Jeep. I have to sell my convertible G Wagon. Uh, and I'm going to get a Jeep to replace it. And I'm going to get a Wrangler 392.

[1:26:06] Filippo, tell me, tell the people why I'm getting the Jeep over the Ford. >> Uh, there's a V8 offered. >> Boom. There it is. >> Folks, this was a great podcast. I really appreciate [laughter] it. Thank

[1:26:18] >> You know, there's actually two reasons. There's a V8 offered and the Bronco Raptor, although it is a cool car, is the most um socially

[1:26:33] [laughter] unhinged. I think it's cool as hell, but I would never in a gazillion years drive such a

[1:26:45] vehicle. And especially when you factor in the Jeep, the Bronco Raptor looks like that and doesn't have a V8. The Jeep Wrangler 392, I dare Kenan to tell apart a Wrangler 392 from a regular Wrangler. And it does have a V8.

[1:27:00] >> Well, a the sound is instantly recognizable. And also that exhaust tip thing they do with the low I I know what I'm looking for. The 392. Don't don't >> But what are you going to look at every Jeep? Like ult. It's like one person.

[1:27:12] see them. It's not often, but I do notice that going to get. It's like a super base level trim. And the only way you can tell the exhaust, and then also there's a 392 badge on the top of the hood, cuz

[1:27:25] strange on the top of it. Other than that, the newest ones are like untellable. And that is the primary reason that I I looked at the Bronco Raptors and I'm sitting in this thing and I'm like, this is so overthe-top

[1:27:37] situation. >> No. having that parked in a charming New England fishing village. >> And ultimately, the Jeep has more power solver right there. Am I wrong? Do

[1:27:50] wrong, write to us at [email protected]. [email protected]. That's s ancarsbids.com

[1:28:04] already. >> Uh, Filippo, you have any final thoughts for the podcast? Yeah, the Buick Riviera has been on my mind. >> Oh yeah, the first drive. >> The late 90s Buick Riviera. Yeah, we

[1:28:18] >> Pull it up. >> You got like 1995 94. >> No, I've never been in one. >> Horrible. >> There it is. >> Cash for expanded to include these.

[1:28:33] enough. >> Yeah, I know. But it they should have a carveout. cars must have this level of fuel economy or be a Buick Riviera. >> That's that is a concept. >> Well, I know that I'm just saying in

[1:28:47] general it looks like it does look like >> Yeah. I mean that that's hard to believe >> Yeah. I mean that that's hard to believe that a committee went Yes, that's a real time. This was at a time when when like a big this was at a time when like a big

[1:29:01] twodoor car was still like a thing and everyone had them honestly. Oh my god, Ford had Ford had multiple. They had the Thunderbird and the Mercury Cougar which were both like these big Lincoln had one called the Mark 8. Like it was not

[1:29:15] called the Mark 8. Like it was not uncommon to have like big luxury coups and convertibles. There was the old Cutless at the time and there were a >> to be fair and it was supercharged. Had 240 horsepower, 280 uh pound- feet of

[1:29:28] >> Well, they were offered as supercharged. Almost none of them are supercharged. And either way, it was stunted by a trash four-speed automatic transmission. >> Do you know that they made 90,000? Just about they sold 41,000 the first year.

[1:29:42] >> I'm telling you, at that time, remember they made a Camry coupe. They made a Honda Accord coupe. Like cars in that era, like a twodoor car, four-seater, there was a Chevy Cavalier, like everything was like there was a

[1:29:56] not that weird. >> True. It looked good. >> And it all went away, Kenny. It all went away. shame. Anyway, >> speaking of going away, goodbye.

[1:30:09] >> Goodbye, everyone. [clears throat] >> Goodbye.