Note: A Lotus engineer told the boys that the 905-hp Eletre R had 3 motors and torque vectoring. Turns out the 905 hp comes from 2 motors, and what Jason felt and described as the most obvious torque-vectoring he's ever felt is actually rear-wheel steering. [Sorry for the error there.]
maybe could be setup for less tire wear. that was the main intention in my concept car but didnt htink much of it just because weight and tires would probably be slim anyway@@cameron1776
As an Evora owner, I think Jason and Hyphen really summarized the Lotus GT (Evora and Emira are considered GT) principle really well. - Supple ride quality (much more comfortable than equivalent Porsches) - Tossable around the road - Great feedback from 1/10th driving to 10/10th driving. - Lots of Interior issues And at stock, it doesn't perform as well as it should at mechanical testing on track. However, Lotus are undertired and underdamped for the road goingness. (Steering feedback) See SCCA time trial and autocross you see that Evora are matched against cars that are 2x power level because track prep (bigger tires + damper) bring a lot of return in terms of mechanical capabilities.
Matt Farah's pod is about emotions and feels without mechanical knowledge of vehicles. Dude got mushy hands. Carmudgeon brings technical - hands-on automotive knowledge. A true enthusiast podcast!
@@TheCarmudgeonShow Never had roadside assistance or AAA lived by my wits with roadside repairs. I had Hagerty on the collector car and you guys sold me on the Driver's Club. Have been very happy. Used discounts for Greenwich and Lime Rock events and now the tow on the daily (C6). I was just within 50 miles and can't praise the service enough. Just renewed.
Jason, about your Beat. I changed a head gasket on mine which means I also did the timing belt. When I got it all back together, I got the same position sensor code (9 I think) and after replacing the sensor under the cam pulley and putting it all back together, it still threw the code. After MANY hours of trying to figure out what was wrong, I decided to look at the other side of the engine...Turns out that my distributor had been rebuilt or something so it is timed differently than the factory setting. Luckily I noticed some yellow paint on one of the mounting screws so just for fun, I pointed the distributor rotor right at that screw, and it magically RAN! Fine tuned the distro with a timing light and it runs great now! So, the moral of the story is: The cam position sensor code will be thrown if the distributor timing is off. FYI. Hope this helps.
For the love of Christ, Cammisa. You’ve got a lift. Just put the beat in the air, undo the rear shock towers, unbolt the frame, and drop the motor and box out onto a motor stand or a tool cabinet. I don’t recall it being hard. Same thing with MR2’s. It’s an hour in and out, and you can do the cambelt and water pump in under 30 minutes. Versus bent over all day and trying to make a ship in a bottle. Engineers make it harder than it needs to be :)
I really hope enough people take a plunge (hopefully not a bath 😁) on an Emira over a Cayman so that there are enough to go about. Do love that it seems it's like the Esprit is back! Looking forward to this one
Confused by your cryptic comment: Are you trying to say you’re a prospective Cayman GTS buyer who can’t get one and are trying to encourage more Cayman buyers to buy Emiras instead (i.e. freeing-up Cayman build-slots so there are enough to go around before production ceases) ? If that’s not what you’re saying then I’m doubly confused because if more people take the plunge on Emiras surely they’ll be less Emiras available to go about?
I'd buy the Emira over any 911 for three reasons. 1) You get a better experience on most roads, 2) it costs $100k less, and 3) it's not "just another Porsche".
And due to production numbers, you can get collector car insurance, which is far cheaper than standard; and I don’t think that would be possible with modern 911 except the special ones.
Be interested in hearing Jason and Derek's thoughts about the LC500. It's the only engine-centric $100k car i test drove and I fell in love immediately. It's great in many (but not all) of the LA canyons.
We had that car together with a cab 991CS and am vantage v8 for a road trip and at the end everyone loved the lc the most. And talk about that redline…omg did i beat on it just to hear it again.
I like that car, but have never liked the driving feel of any Toyota. It does sound marvelous. I definitely considered it because its price point was near the Emira’s.
Carmel valley road. I used to ride my GSXR there all the time, I forgot how much I love that road until you mentioned it. It's glorious, A terrific mixture of road surfaces and banked corners... Thanks for giving me those memories back
I've got a question. Do you two think it would be wise of Hagerty to offer a classic car insurance policy for drivers under the current policy's age limit? The same rules would apply about needing one other vehicle insured with a normal insurance company, ect. Knowing that it is risky to insure younger drivers, do you two think that building in restrictions to this idea, such as mileage limits , for these younger policy holders might make such a policy more viable? I ask because as someone 23 with a rare and valuable collector car (Fairlady Z 200ZR), the agreed value policy is very appealing and one I'd like to take advantage of in order to protect my investment. I cannot get anything more than basic coverage in Alberta for a right hand drive car except through Hagerty, but I do not qualify due to my age.
Jason here, speaking as an enthusiast and not a Hagerty employee (since I genuinely have nothing to do with insurance.) My vote? A definite yes. Hoooowever, knowing just the basic stats of how often young drivers have accidents, I can imagine that the premium would be so expensive as to make such a product non-viable. Do I personally wish that Hagerty would offer those policies anyway (ie to someone willing to pay that premium?) Yes. I was also that 23-year-old, with my Scirocco, and here I am as a 47-year-old with that same Scirocco. I would have loved to have had agreed-value policy all those early years.
I'm 22 here with a z32 300zx as a second car, and I've got the same issue here. I'd be a Hagerty customer immediately if the option opened up, I'm totally fine with some classic car limitations
@@TheCarmudgeonShow Yeah...I knew that you'd come to that conclusion. It's a sad reality that us younger enthusiasts who worked to buy the cars we love aren't offered the same protection of our assets due to the negligence of others similar to our age. That and testosterone levels. Though I maintain that there would be interest in this sort of proposed insurance policy, and that Hagerty could do itself a favour (and maybe earn some good karma) by looking into proposing some sort of agreed value program for younger drivers. Maybe not as young as 16, but 18-19 to 26, before the normal Hagerty insurance offered begins, is a range full of enthusiasts that would pay to play. My Fairlady Z sits for 6 months out of the year, for example. Now that's not necessarily the case for those in warmer climates, but overall I've been lucky to even put 2000km on the thing in...2 years?
Question: Jason has said previously that AWD cars arent his favorite but what would you two say are your favorite AWD systems, and what makes an AWD system good vs bad in your opinions
Surprised to hear you didn't like the steering of the Emira. Drove a tester in Dec 2022 on Goodyear F1 (not Cup 2 like you) but still found the steering far superior to 718 GTS 4.0 and 718 GT4. Steering accuracy, weighting, speed great on both, but feedback significantly higher on Emira. I consider steering, transmission (both gear ratio and gear shifter), styling, character/specialness superior on Emira. I consider ergonomics (e.g. pedal placement), interior build quality, clutch feel, practicality, engine (of the gts 4.0) superior on Cayman.
Question: Is there a possibility of a Carmudgeon x Smith & Sniff crossover episode or do I need to look for slash fiction? :D Would be a nerdgasm for sure.
@24.15 the reason a Lotus can handle tight, twisty, bumpy roads is because every road in the UK is a tight, twisty and bumpy (read pot holed). Our press are very hyperbolic about our cars, but they rate ride and handling generally (you guys over the pond tend too agree too) because they have to handle terrible roads 😂
Derek and Jason, I'm excited to see the live show! I have a couple of questions for you two vvvv Question 1: ********** TLDR: Does riding a motorcycle make you better at shifting? Something that you have talked about briefly from time to time is downshifting. However, I am interested in a deeper dive on the operation of a manual in general for those of us who may be somewhat newer to manual transmissions. Also, specifically to Derek, did you find that riding motorcycles helped you become a better shifter? Before riding, I almost never downshifted my XJ cherokee outside of clumsy dumps into second or third when necessary. I found through riding I had a sort of trial by fire in rev match downshifting. Now I go all the way back down the gears almost every time I stop. I even double clutch if actively braking.
Question 2: ********** TLDR: Hur dur what car do I buy nc miata, Honda hatchback, 944, or mk7 GTI? If you were a young twenty something with a meh job and no financial safety net, what would you spend your money on for maximum automotive enjoyment? I will admit that I already have somewhat of a fleet: a 1986 XJ Cherokee 2.1L TD, a 1993 Honda XR250L dualsport, and a 2014 Chevy Cruze. The cruze honestly handles pretty well but it is an automatic and whines about reaching 5000 RPM. The cars on my radar are nc(2-3) miata, Honda EF hatchback, Porsche 944, or a financed mk7.5 GTI. Thanks for all that you do guys. Jason, your old videos on MotorTrend are the reason that I am here in the first place. Believe it or not, I was just a kid when a lot of those videos came out. I distinctly remember a video where you put a GT3 up against a Nova in a drag race. That video cemented for me that there was more to cars than just the muscle car shows we have up north. Derek, thank you for shining a light on some of the more obscure and underappreciated cars of the 60's and 70's. Without the BTS videos, it would have taken me much longer to see all that pre 80's cars have to offer. I hope one of our potholes doesn't swallow you up.
How did you start writing for a magazine? I’ve been interested with writing about cars for a long time but I tried to contact some people at Caranddriver but got no response.
The two modern news cars both Jason and Derek speak highly about are Emira and Giulia, it would be great to see a dedicated video on these two models, and Alfa and Lotus' similarities and differences from a pure enthusiast perspective.
Question: Derek's GT3, which one was it and what didn't you like about it? Especially elaborate the part in this video where you said it can't do the things the 964 did?
Great review. Lotus cars are certainly very special cars. Interesting this is one of the very few, if not the only so far, discussions that didn’t blindly rave about the steering rack just because it’s a hydraulic one
Question: Follow up from the last Q&A where I asked about a second fun car. I've got an ND2 and MK7.5 Golf R (waiting on my GR Corolla to arrive to swap out the R). Previously I was wondering about getting an NC2/3 as a second sports car but after a recent driving road trip I found the ND just a little too loud and cramped to be enjoyed when any sort of long highway driving is also required. What are your recommendations for a car that's as fun or more so than the ND2 on a back road, but meaningfully more comfortable on the journey there? My only requirements are: manual, and reasonably reliable. I'm looking at everything from a GR86/BRZ to an Evora, 997 C2S, Aston V8V, 981, etc. If you've got a couple recommendations varying in cost that'd be much appreciated! Cheers guys and love the podcast. It's the best automotive content out there for those of us who love driving!
Question time! Two small ones here, first, you two have any thoughts on the early 2000s SVT Focus? (ST170 in Euro trim), seems a very Jason car, small light hatchback, Cosworth developed DOHC head, variable length intake runners, 7,200rpm redline, etc. Second, what is #0001 on both your spreadsheets? Im super curious about the cars that started it all for your documentation.
Question: can you tell us about parts sourcing for the factories? I.e. where do all the parts come from? Is anything fabricated in house or is a 3 series like 80% bosche parts made for bmw?
@thecarmudgeonshow - What was the intake and exhaust on the 2ZZ Elise that you mentioned? I would love to make my engine sound better! Also, which suspension setting did the Emira that you drove have? There's a sport and a road version.
Question: Im looking to swap a motor of some kind into my E28 535i Im leaning towards a S54, 5.0 coyote, M62 or a Maserati F136 what N/A motors do you guys think would be a good swap I prefer experience over performance
Question: drove a students mclaren 750GT on track and found that the brake travel is very short, almost like a race car without vacuum booster, what did mclaren do to achieve that? Any other car have that brake feel?
As a viewer heralding from the same hometown as your Rover, I’m Looking to replace a 07 WRX with a different, but hopefully just as quirkifull daily driver. If you had to choose one daily driver that could handle the Canadian winters while still being fun on the tarmac (or even a frozen lake ice track), what would your car of choice be?
Thanks for the show, the silly laughs, the nerdy information and inside perspectives over the years, please never stop! I have a few stupid questions so please explain like I'm 5: - Why don't/How can/When should journalists include more often brand reputations, long term reliability predictions, practical functions and other things other than initial perceived quality in cars reviews? - Why do cars with both ICE and Electric Power Sources (hybrids, plug-ins, extended range by fuel or electric,...) have the combined power rating as rated horsepower? 2 lights bulbs don't double the brightness, 2 speakers don't double the sound, then why combined the power ratings as a final figure? Do a 400hp ICE + 400hp electric motor make 800hp concurrently? - Could you share what you include in your personal vehicles maintenance spreadsheet?
I really hope jason and derek get to try both suspension configurations of the emira! This glowing review of the sport really doesnt help my confusion!
V6 is a mechanically powered hydraulic steering, AMG I4 is electrically powered hydraulic steering, and when it comes to storage you can get 3 cabin bags behind the seats, I have had mine since October 2022, and every drive is special
Question: What are some good options for a practical snow worthy enthusiast daily driver (lightweight, manual, 4/5 doors, AWD, decent highway pace, enjoyable in canyons and around town)? I get 2-3 months of snow where I live and currently drive a moderately modified 2005 WRX Wagon which I thought was hot until I bought my '90 Miata which is twice the fun with half the power. Started to notice the WRX's long gearing, sluggish engine, slow response to inputs, and overall lack of engagement real quick after getting out of the Miata. Is there a more engaging winter car for my two car solution or should I stick to a less engaging car in the winter?
@@revans4257 I have experience with Subarus I'm just suggesting the Audi because it's one of the few vehicles that fits your search I've only seen a handful of manual wagons
@@revans4257 at the end of the day when you're looking for a practical daily you're probably going to have to give up some level of fun My focus ST isn't the most entertaining vehicle I've owned but it can be fun and it's a good daily
Question: What are your thoughts on the E60 550i as a future classic? Most of them are under $10k now, they are actually easy to find with a manual transmission, and they have great performance for the price point (360 hp, and the same amount of torque as the M5).
Great episode guys! I'm holding out for the Type 135 (Eleva?) before thinking of selling my 2005 Elise which I purchased new many moons ago. Please talk about that upcoming beastie with any rumors you may hear of in a future show.
Having a hellavu time tracking down information for your event at the Detroit Auto Show this Saturday. Time and place in the facility would be great. Edit- Ah, finally figured out the Concours is separate. Up at the DIA.
Jason, are you fixing the Beat with an actual guide to inform you? I have a 44 page pdf on replacing the timing belt and water pump, with pictures! Never know, maybe you’re missing a few details…
Question for Jason (Hi Hyphen!) - What would be your main pieces of advice to someone who just acquired a Scirocco 16v? What should I know to keep this thing on the road? Cheers from Ontario!
Question: what’s with the rev hang on the new brz? Is it emission? Very annoying to drive. Any modern car that doesn’t have that other than the new integra?
Recently bought the Lotus Omega on BaT. Loved your Omega/Carlton video, BTW. Anyhow, there is a dispute in the Omega community about the "cheater code." Can you tell me where that info came from? Thank you.
Question: did I inadvertently meet Jason and/or Derek at PittRace during the summer of 2020 when Randy would have been there? I took the only job I could get during that AWESOME time, scrubbing toilets. And I absolutely loved doing it there, many older men thanked me because their wives only wanted to come there for the clean bathrooms. There was an instance where the bathroom sinks only put out SCALDING hot water, on a hot summer day, at a race track. I was literally scrubbing a toilet when Randy walked in with some other people, and immediately commented on the hot water problem. Between that, and being aware they just saw my hands in toilets, I swallowed real hard and kept to myself despite being a die-hard fan of Randy (and soon after of Jason, then soon after of Hyphen). I kick myself for that non-interaction, and I NEED to know if Jason or Derek were there too so I can kick myself harder!
Questions: 1. What are your thoughts on restomodding? Other than the existing cars which are already being restomodded, what car would you like to see restomodded and what would you do to it? 2. Car company asks you to design the perfect sports car, but it has to use parts from existing vendors to save on costs. What kind of sports car would you design and what existing models would you take the major parts from? 3. Jason mentioned doing some rally school in the past. Is it fun? Would you recommend it? 4. Where do I go if I want to learn how to drive a manual fast? I can do normal traffic stuff but am utterly lost when it comes to dual clutching, heel toeing and other arcane techniques. Where do I go to git gud? 5. When are the two of you going to go on a romanti-...I mean, epic Top Gear-inspired adventure drive across America with the Throttle House duo?
Question from Nicholas: Hi DTS and Idiot! While discussing the S650 with you at the Concourse (I was Accord Shirt Guy, and thanks for sacrificing your time and stomachs to talk for so long.), it came up that you both felt the car was more or less a facelift for a new generation. That's true, certainly, but one must wonder. How can automakers reinvent the wheel each time? On the award stage, the Mustang which won its class had background commentary talking about how the Mustang and 911 are just about the only cars you can immediately identify from their shapes. If they redesign, they might risk losing that. Then there's a generation where people lament the lost style and wish it would return. I guess the ultimate question I'm now getting around to asking is "How do you make a new generation different enough to excite, but emblematic of its nameplate?"
I hope its not too late to add a question! Out of all the cars you have driven that are currently sold new, what model has the best packaging and which model the worst packaging (and why are both from Honda, the Civic and TLX)?
Question for hyphen - Any motorcycles that fill the carmudgeon specification for excellence in experience. Gear driven cams, rev limits of 21k, hub steering
I've got an Evora GT. Best gas-powered car Lotus ever made for North America. You can't compare the original 2011 Evora to the GT when it comes to performance and other factors. Plus, mine had been modified and dyno tuned to where it's over 500HP at the crank, and over 400ftlbs torque. I drove the Emira before I got the GT. At the time I had a supercharged, etc NSX and felt that was better than the Emira to drive.
Jason, in your experience with the Subaru XT Turbo, I remember you were giggling manically when you took it out for a "hot lap" in "Mexico". Would you ever look for an old Subaru to take out on weekends, or to LeMons to thrash about? As an old Subaru enthusiast (the cars are old, not me dammit), I find them to be one of the most ridiculously fun little cars to drive like you stole and still be under the speed limit. Also, Hyphen, have you ever experienced an old Subaru? I am referring to the "EA" engine series, which died with the Loyale in 94, but was birthed in the late 60's. If you do, the louder and more obnoxious the exhaust, the better. NA or bust on that experience too (because the turbos like to turn themselves into HG fog machines seemingly at random).
Oh, that was such a fun day in Mexico. I had great tacos after that run. Umm, I was definitely hysterical, but part of it was out of a slight lack of mechanical sympathy for that poor car - the axle hop (thanks to a blown shock) was violent, and the tires had no grip. It was a genuine 10/10 fun experience, and I suspect would have been only barely less fun if the dash hadn't been self-disassembling in the process. :)
I have experienced that exact phenomena, as I was the not so proud, relatively pissed off owner of an '86 XT Turbo. Piece of shantastic engineering. Dash disassembly is a feature, not a bug, and they are much more fun when your concern for their well being is the last priority. When my little blue shitbox wagon is up and running, I offer it to you for a test drive whenever either of you two make it up to the inland Northwest.
I'm sure I won't be the first to post this but, the only vehicle to sell for an average price under $20,000 in 2022 was the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Mirage averaged over $19,500 out the door if i remember the article correctly.
@@TwoDollarGararge I get that the supposed starting price is under twenty grand, but the actual transaction of sale price is what the article was about. In that metric nothing but the mirage sold for under 20 grand, it's kinda like there is a base model 3 Tesla that starts for under 35 thousand, good like being able to actually purchase one though.
Question: Thoughts on the rumored 2025 MR2? With the most recent Toyota GR products, does this get you excited or…?… what does it need to be to be a win?
Question: Is there something substantially special about the driving experience of a Delta Evo that seems to garner more hype than other turbo AWD cars like Lancers, Celicas etc? Or is it just the rarity and looks (I do admit the Delta Evo looks amazing and that deserves some hype).
I made my girlfriend sick to her stomach on the up and down portions of the Dragon in the Emira. The car definitely won me over again there. It’s a keeper.
Derek's list of potential improvements for the current GT3 sound a lot like a 997. Tart up the suspension a bit, throw a shorter final drive ratio on it, and you're there.
Question: Of all the cars you’ve driven, which one’s capability as a car was the best match for your capability as a driver? I think I’ve had more fun slinging e39s around canyon roads (in Mexico) than driving Ferraris and Lamborghinis on track because I don’t have the skill to extract a supercar’s potential.
I totally respect you guys and what you have and philosophy on cars. With that said your are very hampered by where you live and you can't take it with you honestly. I'm not saying go broke but we only live once and you need to enjoy life while we can. People give me crap all the time for how often we change cars and I know it's not smart money but it makes me happy and I'd rather do that than blow money on things that are bad for you or others.
Question: will we ever see spare tires as a standard on cars again... even a donut? What is the *real* reason they aren't in cars anymore? mpg? Cost savings? What a pain it is to have to wait for a tow every time
*sigh* I was hoping you guys didn't like the Emira as I'm trying to convince myself to give up my early build slot. Sounds like the shifter on your car was better than the one I drove which was closer to Jason's description of the early Evora grinding going into second every time.
The most magical car I’ve driven (for what I’m seeking) is a 991.2 Carrera T w/manual and carbon fiber bucket seats; based on their review I wonder how close the Emira gets to that? It sounds like it may be damn close.
Here are some questions I have: -Jason, you say the modern Smallblock is your favorite V8 (and I own a 6th gen SS 1LE) and you also obviously loved the GT350 so why do you like the Smallblock better than the Voodoo? Because it is more reliable or something about the sound? -Are modern (2000s to now) Porsches really more reliable than other German cars because they are engineered better and more reliably, Porsche being Porsche, or do they just tend to be better maintained/driven fewer miles/collected more than other German brands? -Why does the Aston Martin 5.9L V12 sound, I guess I would call it, more guttural or interesting than other V12s? I read somewhere that it has uneven firing intervals whereas most V12s have even firing intervals. Is that why? -Jason, I watched an old Automobile video of yours where you drove the Fisker Karma. Can you tell any interesting knowledge you have about the Karma or the early Fisker brand in general? Thanks! Hope these make the cut!
To answer the Porsche question I believe it is because they are generally maintained as most Porsches are generally looked at as an investment or the very least they're maintained for the sake of sanity because it's a daily or something like that
Question: With the combustion engine going away, which car manufacturer would you want to bully/resurrect into remaking a new homage model and what would it be (the new Alfa 33 Stradale was mine is why the question comes to mind, even though it doesn't have the 2L V8)
Question: do either of you have any experience driving or interacting with any rotary engine cars and if so what are your thoughts? I've recently developed a lust for the mazda rx-8, i sincerely think it's one of the last hidden gems of all the manual analog sports cars from the 2000s, aside from maybe the mr2 spyder.
A million years ago R&T did an owner’s survey on a then-new Lotus Europa. The cars had a myriad of issues in different categories. The last question was, Would You Buy Another? 70% said, Yes! I think it was, if not the highest, then one of the highest positive responses to that question they’d ever received and it was in direct contrast the terrible quality/reliability responses. Goes to show all sins are forgiven for a wild ride. Made me laugh.
Question: is it possible in your opinion to use an an older (let's say in their teens to 20-something) car as your main mobility device, combining the best of both worlds (that is, the joy of motoring and relative hassle-free ownership experience)? If yes, what cars do you think would enable it? Apart from 911 of course. Context: There's a lot of hype these days around youngtimers and 'freshtimers'. I see businesses focused on reselling nice examples of older cars. Even my 15-year-old nephew recently told me 'there aren't that many new cars I would consider buying'. Few years ago I stumbled upon a nice example of a car I always had a soft spot for - an E39. Low mileage, imported from Japan. It wasn't ideal and seemed pricey at the time, at least for something that's 20 years old. I was looking for a car I could use - I don't really need a car on a daily basis, but when I do, it's longer-distance trips - and I was afraid it would end up being another liability, me taking care of it more than it taking care of my need to move about. So I passed on that opportunity. But the seed was planted. I ended up getting a cheaper, higher (but not crazy high) mileage example from a 'respectable seller', bought from its first owner. I read a lot about the platform's legendary reliability and sturdiness of the M54 engine, so I was convinced I would really be able to use it as 'a normal car'. My buddy, who's just sold his Disco 2 back then was smirking. The car turned out to be, well, an old car. It never left me stranded (yet) but manifests minor and major issues so often that I started approaching it with mild terror, bracing myslf for something to go wrong every time I sit behind its wheel. It's not a pleasant feeling. I have second thoughts about passing on that other, much less used example, especially summing up my repair bills and estimates. I listen to your stories about things breaking in your cars and having to own 'that one car that starts every time' and I can't help but wonder... Is this 'old cars better' hype completely baseless? Sure, you can buy a weekend toy, or simply hoard things with no intention of using them. But should I continue grinding through it or just give up and buy that Mk7 Golf?
Another Question: Have you guys considered doing a SCCA or NASA Tarmac Rally Sprint or Hillclimb? Seems right up you guys' alley and you don't have to be hard core competitive. Plenty of people do it for fun.
Querry for Ask us anything: Can you speak to whether kei trucks can be used legally in California on our regular roads/streets? What about on our freeways? If yes to either querry, how so i make this happen? Are there specific importers to seek out? Will they help satisfy carb and registration requirements or is that on the buyer? Context/Reasons i am considering a kei truck: I am get conflicting information when i attempt to look into kei trucks in California and i am completely confused ATM. I "need" a truck and have been trying to get the Ford Maverick but the prices are still insane and now the cost to finance is really high; the same is true for used trucks that are "small" ATM. Also if i am honest with myself, a kei truck is about all the trucks i need - it is to make small dump runs, mulch/soil pickup runs, etc. Also a kei truck would give me an experience that i can't get in the US from an alternate vehicle. I also considered get a 1500/2000/3000gvwr trailer to tow with my Toyota Highlander/Subaru Outback (yeah, i know they are bland boring vehicles) but my HoA requires trailers not be visible from the street and i do not have the ability to do this at my property. I think a kei truck can be curb or driveway parked if its a registered motor vehicle since it would satify the requirements for an allowed vehicle...i know i should probably get clarification but i would rather ask forgiveness than permission on something that would be a grey area item, 😂
Note: A Lotus engineer told the boys that the 905-hp Eletre R had 3 motors and torque vectoring. Turns out the 905 hp comes from 2 motors, and what Jason felt and described as the most obvious torque-vectoring he's ever felt is actually rear-wheel steering. [Sorry for the error there.]
Does this mean Acura's SH-AWD still reigns supreme? 😂
Question, have you ever got deep into the engine oil and other lubricants ;P?
maybe could be setup for less tire wear. that was the main intention in my concept car but didnt htink much of it just because weight and tires would probably be slim anyway@@cameron1776
My question is if we can play a drinking game where we take a shot every time Jason says “order of magnitude”.
As an Evora owner, I think Jason and Hyphen really summarized the Lotus GT (Evora and Emira are considered GT) principle really well.
- Supple ride quality (much more comfortable than equivalent Porsches)
- Tossable around the road
- Great feedback from 1/10th driving to 10/10th driving.
- Lots of Interior issues
And at stock, it doesn't perform as well as it should at mechanical testing on track. However, Lotus are undertired and underdamped for the road goingness. (Steering feedback)
See SCCA time trial and autocross you see that Evora are matched against cars that are 2x power level because track prep (bigger tires + damper) bring a lot of return in terms of mechanical capabilities.
Matt Farah's pod is about emotions and feels without mechanical knowledge of vehicles. Dude got mushy hands.
Carmudgeon brings technical - hands-on automotive knowledge. A true enthusiast podcast!
SINGING IS BACK! YES!!! Lol Love you guys! Never fail to put a smile on my face! 👍🫶
Finally, the audio is fantastic! Thank you.
Fantastic episode, it had everything. I learned something, I laughed, talked about new things, talked about old(er) things. Great job boys
Yep..I always pull a bit on the tensioner while tigting it
Just used my Hagerty Driver's Club roadside assistance, 3rd tow after 40 years of driving. Totally hassle free. Damn pothole took out tire and rim.
Sorry to hear it but glad the roadside worked out!
@@TheCarmudgeonShow Never had roadside assistance or AAA lived by my wits with roadside repairs. I had Hagerty on the collector car and you guys sold me on the Driver's Club. Have been very happy. Used discounts for Greenwich and Lime Rock events and now the tow on the daily (C6). I was just within 50 miles and can't praise the service enough. Just renewed.
Jason, about your Beat. I changed a head gasket on mine which means I also did the timing belt. When I got it all back together, I got the same position sensor code (9 I think) and after replacing the sensor under the cam pulley and putting it all back together, it still threw the code. After MANY hours of trying to figure out what was wrong, I decided to look at the other side of the engine...Turns out that my distributor had been rebuilt or something so it is timed differently than the factory setting. Luckily I noticed some yellow paint on one of the mounting screws so just for fun, I pointed the distributor rotor right at that screw, and it magically RAN! Fine tuned the distro with a timing light and it runs great now! So, the moral of the story is: The cam position sensor code will be thrown if the distributor timing is off. FYI. Hope this helps.
For the love of Christ, Cammisa. You’ve got a lift. Just put the beat in the air, undo the rear shock towers, unbolt the frame, and drop the motor and box out onto a motor stand or a tool cabinet. I don’t recall it being hard. Same thing with MR2’s. It’s an hour in and out, and you can do the cambelt and water pump in under 30 minutes. Versus bent over all day and trying to make a ship in a bottle. Engineers make it harder than it needs to be :)
As ‘79 Esprit S2 owner, it makes me very happy to hear that Lotus is on the right path. I hope they continue to grow and build fantastic cars.
I really hope enough people take a plunge (hopefully not a bath 😁) on an Emira over a Cayman so that there are enough to go about.
Do love that it seems it's like the Esprit is back! Looking forward to this one
Confused by your cryptic comment: Are you trying to say you’re a prospective Cayman GTS buyer who can’t get one and are trying to encourage more Cayman buyers to buy Emiras instead (i.e. freeing-up Cayman build-slots so there are enough to go around before production ceases) ? If that’s not what you’re saying then I’m doubly confused because if more people take the plunge on Emiras surely they’ll be less Emiras available to go about?
I bought one, but plan to keep it forever, I’m hopeful the Toyota power will allow for that..
literally the best automotive journalist
I'd buy the Emira over any 911 for three reasons. 1) You get a better experience on most roads, 2) it costs $100k less, and 3) it's not "just another Porsche".
Don't forget the reliability of an Toyota engine.
@@meen28 Well, to be fair, Porsche engines are pretty reliable. They'll just cost more to fix when they do break.
@@meen28they make their cars like Toyota does.
And due to production numbers, you can get collector car insurance, which is far cheaper than standard; and I don’t think that would be possible with modern 911 except the special ones.
Be interested in hearing Jason and Derek's thoughts about the LC500. It's the only engine-centric $100k car i test drove and I fell in love immediately. It's great in many (but not all) of the LA canyons.
We had that car together with a cab 991CS and am vantage v8 for a road trip and at the end everyone loved the lc the most.
And talk about that redline…omg did i beat on it just to hear it again.
Jason did a feature on it back in his motor trend days. I think the video is on his youtube channel.
I like that car, but have never liked the driving feel of any Toyota. It does sound marvelous. I definitely considered it because its price point was near the Emira’s.
Carmel valley road. I used to ride my GSXR there all the time, I forgot how much I love that road until you mentioned it. It's glorious, A terrific mixture of road surfaces and banked corners... Thanks for giving me those memories back
I bought an Evora GT while I wait for my Emira. OMG its a great car and I wish I'd discovered how good the Evora is sooner.
I've got a question. Do you two think it would be wise of Hagerty to offer a classic car insurance policy for drivers under the current policy's age limit? The same rules would apply about needing one other vehicle insured with a normal insurance company, ect. Knowing that it is risky to insure younger drivers, do you two think that building in restrictions to this idea, such as mileage limits , for these younger policy holders might make such a policy more viable? I ask because as someone 23 with a rare and valuable collector car (Fairlady Z 200ZR), the agreed value policy is very appealing and one I'd like to take advantage of in order to protect my investment. I cannot get anything more than basic coverage in Alberta for a right hand drive car except through Hagerty, but I do not qualify due to my age.
Jason here, speaking as an enthusiast and not a Hagerty employee (since I genuinely have nothing to do with insurance.) My vote? A definite yes. Hoooowever, knowing just the basic stats of how often young drivers have accidents, I can imagine that the premium would be so expensive as to make such a product non-viable. Do I personally wish that Hagerty would offer those policies anyway (ie to someone willing to pay that premium?) Yes. I was also that 23-year-old, with my Scirocco, and here I am as a 47-year-old with that same Scirocco. I would have loved to have had agreed-value policy all those early years.
I'm 22 here with a z32 300zx as a second car, and I've got the same issue here. I'd be a Hagerty customer immediately if the option opened up, I'm totally fine with some classic car limitations
I agree I have a one year only 944 2.7 (89 base only) but I'm 22 my insurance is stupid high enough with a hot hatch
@@TheCarmudgeonShow Yeah...I knew that you'd come to that conclusion. It's a sad reality that us younger enthusiasts who worked to buy the cars we love aren't offered the same protection of our assets due to the negligence of others similar to our age. That and testosterone levels. Though I maintain that there would be interest in this sort of proposed insurance policy, and that Hagerty could do itself a favour (and maybe earn some good karma) by looking into proposing some sort of agreed value program for younger drivers. Maybe not as young as 16, but 18-19 to 26, before the normal Hagerty insurance offered begins, is a range full of enthusiasts that would pay to play. My Fairlady Z sits for 6 months out of the year, for example. Now that's not necessarily the case for those in warmer climates, but overall I've been lucky to even put 2000km on the thing in...2 years?
I have been waiting for your review on the Emira for AGES. Thanks for your honest insight!
Question: Jason has said previously that AWD cars arent his favorite but what would you two say are your favorite AWD systems, and what makes an AWD system good vs bad in your opinions
imo. something RWD biased is the biggest factor in a good AWD system.
@@Pheatan True. AWD that slides - good. AWD that doesn't - bad. Subjectively.
Surprised to hear you didn't like the steering of the Emira. Drove a tester in Dec 2022 on Goodyear F1 (not Cup 2 like you) but still found the steering far superior to 718 GTS 4.0 and 718 GT4. Steering accuracy, weighting, speed great on both, but feedback significantly higher on Emira.
I consider steering, transmission (both gear ratio and gear shifter), styling, character/specialness superior on Emira.
I consider ergonomics (e.g. pedal placement), interior build quality, clutch feel, practicality, engine (of the gts 4.0) superior on Cayman.
Monday night salvation... and Jason going retro and singing intros...
245
Question: Is there a possibility of a Carmudgeon x Smith & Sniff crossover episode or do I need to look for slash fiction? :D Would be a nerdgasm for sure.
Oh man that’d be good
@@Jamesmorley1999 only two podcasts I still regularly follow, so it may be a bit niche, but good to see I'm not alone. :D
@@CasualGearheadssame here! Makes my Mondays more bearable
T'internet is good to find your tribe. So many car nerds. Love it.
Glad to hear Lotus is still doing cool things!
You should try Alpine A110, despite you will be disappointed that it has no stick. Great show, BTW. You have a subscriber.
If Gordon Murray loves it despite that then it’s special
@24.15 the reason a Lotus can handle tight, twisty, bumpy roads is because every road in the UK is a tight, twisty and bumpy (read pot holed). Our press are very hyperbolic about our cars, but they rate ride and handling generally (you guys over the pond tend too agree too) because they have to handle terrible roads 😂
Derek and Jason,
I'm excited to see the live show! I have a couple of questions for you two vvvv
Question 1: **********
TLDR: Does riding a motorcycle make you better at shifting?
Something that you have talked about briefly from time to time is downshifting. However, I am interested in a deeper dive on the operation of a manual in general for those of us who may be somewhat newer to manual transmissions.
Also, specifically to Derek, did you find that riding motorcycles helped you become a better shifter? Before riding, I almost never downshifted my XJ cherokee outside of clumsy dumps into second or third when necessary. I found through riding I had a sort of trial by fire in rev match downshifting. Now I go all the way back down the gears almost every time I stop. I even double clutch if actively braking.
Question 2: **********
TLDR: Hur dur what car do I buy nc miata, Honda hatchback, 944, or mk7 GTI?
If you were a young twenty something with a meh job and no financial safety net, what would you spend your money on for maximum automotive enjoyment? I will admit that I already have somewhat of a fleet: a 1986 XJ Cherokee 2.1L TD, a 1993 Honda XR250L dualsport, and a 2014 Chevy Cruze. The cruze honestly handles pretty well but it is an automatic and whines about reaching 5000 RPM.
The cars on my radar are nc(2-3) miata, Honda EF hatchback, Porsche 944, or a financed mk7.5 GTI.
Thanks for all that you do guys. Jason, your old videos on MotorTrend are the reason that I am here in the first place. Believe it or not, I was just a kid when a lot of those videos came out. I distinctly remember a video where you put a GT3 up against a Nova in a drag race. That video cemented for me that there was more to cars than just the muscle car shows we have up north. Derek, thank you for shining a light on some of the more obscure and underappreciated cars of the 60's and 70's. Without the BTS videos, it would have taken me much longer to see all that pre 80's cars have to offer.
I hope one of our potholes doesn't swallow you up.
Question: dts said that a well setup 911sc can capture most of the rs experience, what setups/mods are he referring to?
A 1988 911 3.2 Clubsport is a sweet spot.
How did you start writing for a magazine? I’ve been interested with writing about cars for a long time but I tried to contact some people at Caranddriver but got no response.
They did an episode on it awhile ago if you look back through their podcast episodes.
@@griffins750 yes I know but Jason didn’t explain how he started. He explained his pathing to get to Automobile.
The two modern news cars both Jason and Derek speak highly about are Emira and Giulia, it would be great to see a dedicated video on these two models, and Alfa and Lotus' similarities and differences from a pure enthusiast perspective.
Question: Derek's GT3, which one was it and what didn't you like about it? Especially elaborate the part in this video where you said it can't do the things the 964 did?
it was a 991.2 GT3 Touring. The 964 has enough ground clearance to not scrape on rough roads. I also had a 991.2 Touring so I know of what he speaks.
Question: Is a manual with a metal shift gate as satisfying to use as it seems?
Great review. Lotus cars are certainly very special cars. Interesting this is one of the very few, if not the only so far, discussions that didn’t blindly rave about the steering rack just because it’s a hydraulic one
Question: Follow up from the last Q&A where I asked about a second fun car. I've got an ND2 and MK7.5 Golf R (waiting on my GR Corolla to arrive to swap out the R). Previously I was wondering about getting an NC2/3 as a second sports car but after a recent driving road trip I found the ND just a little too loud and cramped to be enjoyed when any sort of long highway driving is also required. What are your recommendations for a car that's as fun or more so than the ND2 on a back road, but meaningfully more comfortable on the journey there? My only requirements are: manual, and reasonably reliable. I'm looking at everything from a GR86/BRZ to an Evora, 997 C2S, Aston V8V, 981, etc. If you've got a couple recommendations varying in cost that'd be much appreciated!
Cheers guys and love the podcast. It's the best automotive content out there for those of us who love driving!
Question time! Two small ones here, first, you two have any thoughts on the early 2000s SVT Focus? (ST170 in Euro trim), seems a very Jason car, small light hatchback, Cosworth developed DOHC head, variable length intake runners, 7,200rpm redline, etc.
Second, what is #0001 on both your spreadsheets? Im super curious about the cars that started it all for your documentation.
That's not a bad choice at all and they're really cheap there is a pretty clean unmolested SVT Focus for $1,800 by me that runs and drives
Question: can you tell us about parts sourcing for the factories? I.e. where do all the parts come from? Is anything fabricated in house or is a 3 series like 80% bosche parts made for bmw?
What suspension did the emira have? Touring or track?
Maybe I need to take a trip to Detroit MI... safe travels Gents.
@thecarmudgeonshow - What was the intake and exhaust on the 2ZZ Elise that you mentioned? I would love to make my engine sound better! Also, which suspension setting did the Emira that you drove have? There's a sport and a road version.
Question: Im looking to swap a motor of some kind into my E28 535i Im leaning towards a S54, 5.0 coyote, M62 or a Maserati F136 what N/A motors do you guys think would be a good swap I prefer experience over performance
What is in derricks garage?
Question: drove a students mclaren 750GT on track and found that the brake travel is very short, almost like a race car without vacuum booster, what did mclaren do to achieve that? Any other car have that brake feel?
As a viewer heralding from the same hometown as your Rover, I’m
Looking to replace a 07 WRX with a different, but hopefully just as quirkifull daily driver. If you had to choose one daily driver that could handle the Canadian winters while still being fun on the tarmac (or even a frozen lake ice track), what would your car of choice be?
I'd love to see a comparison between emira, 4c, cayman, a110
Yes!!
Did the Emira you drove have the sport or the touring suspension?
Sport.
Thanks for the show, the silly laughs, the nerdy information and inside perspectives over the years, please never stop!
I have a few stupid questions so please explain like I'm 5:
- Why don't/How can/When should journalists include more often brand reputations, long term reliability predictions, practical functions and other things other than initial perceived quality in cars reviews?
- Why do cars with both ICE and Electric Power Sources (hybrids, plug-ins, extended range by fuel or electric,...) have the combined power rating as rated horsepower? 2 lights bulbs don't double the brightness, 2 speakers don't double the sound, then why combined the power ratings as a final figure? Do a 400hp ICE + 400hp electric motor make 800hp concurrently?
- Could you share what you include in your personal vehicles maintenance spreadsheet?
I really hope jason and derek get to try both suspension configurations of the emira! This glowing review of the sport really doesnt help my confusion!
V6 is a mechanically powered hydraulic steering, AMG I4 is electrically powered hydraulic steering, and when it comes to storage you can get 3 cabin bags behind the seats, I have had mine since October 2022, and every drive is special
Question: What are some good options for a practical snow worthy enthusiast daily driver (lightweight, manual, 4/5 doors, AWD, decent highway pace, enjoyable in canyons and around town)? I get 2-3 months of snow where I live and currently drive a moderately modified 2005 WRX Wagon which I thought was hot until I bought my '90 Miata which is twice the fun with half the power. Started to notice the WRX's long gearing, sluggish engine, slow response to inputs, and overall lack of engagement real quick after getting out of the Miata. Is there a more engaging winter car for my two car solution or should I stick to a less engaging car in the winter?
Manual A4 wagon
@@TwoDollarGararge Thought about those, but from everything I have heard those are less engaging than a WRX. Do you have experience with both?
@@revans4257 I have experience with Subarus I'm just suggesting the Audi because it's one of the few vehicles that fits your search I've only seen a handful of manual wagons
@@revans4257 at the end of the day when you're looking for a practical daily you're probably going to have to give up some level of fun My focus ST isn't the most entertaining vehicle I've owned but it can be fun and it's a good daily
Another suggestion would be an E46 XDrive manual more than likely a sedan I don't know how the x drive is but I do know the E46 platform very well
Question: What are your thoughts on the E60 550i as a future classic? Most of them are under $10k now, they are actually easy to find with a manual transmission, and they have great performance for the price point (360 hp, and the same amount of torque as the M5).
Great episode guys! I'm holding out for the Type 135 (Eleva?) before thinking of selling my 2005 Elise which I purchased new many moons ago. Please talk about that upcoming beastie with any rumors you may hear of in a future show.
Having a hellavu time tracking down information for your event at the Detroit Auto Show this Saturday. Time and place in the facility would be great.
Edit- Ah, finally figured out the Concours is separate. Up at the DIA.
I had a lot of trouble as well. Did you find anything specific?
www.detroitconcours.com/event/schedule
I didn't see anything specific for the Carmudgeon guys.
@@CraigYope ah darn. I'll have to keep an eye on Jason's Instagram on Saturday then.
@@CraigYope I found in the comment section of a hagerty Instagram post, straight from them, that the episode is at 12:40 PM. Didn't say where lol.
Jason, are you fixing the Beat with an actual guide to inform you? I have a 44 page pdf on replacing the timing belt and water pump, with pictures! Never know, maybe you’re missing a few details…
Question. Do you have any recommendations about “driver mods”? Been looking into Dirtfish but wondering what else you would recommend. Thanks!
Question for Jason (Hi Hyphen!) - What would be your main pieces of advice to someone who just acquired a Scirocco 16v? What should I know to keep this thing on the road? Cheers from Ontario!
Question: thoughts on Alfas 105 series. How are they as a drivers car?
It has that Honey, I shrunk the corvette look.
Question: what’s with the rev hang on the new brz? Is it emission? Very annoying to drive. Any modern car that doesn’t have that other than the new integra?
27:36 When you're racing and the other people aren't.
Recently bought the Lotus Omega on BaT. Loved your Omega/Carlton video, BTW. Anyhow, there is a dispute in the Omega community about the "cheater code." Can you tell me where that info came from? Thank you.
Are you going to do a hagerty video on it?
Question: did I inadvertently meet Jason and/or Derek at PittRace during the summer of 2020 when Randy would have been there? I took the only job I could get during that AWESOME time, scrubbing toilets. And I absolutely loved doing it there, many older men thanked me because their wives only wanted to come there for the clean bathrooms. There was an instance where the bathroom sinks only put out SCALDING hot water, on a hot summer day, at a race track. I was literally scrubbing a toilet when Randy walked in with some other people, and immediately commented on the hot water problem. Between that, and being aware they just saw my hands in toilets, I swallowed real hard and kept to myself despite being a die-hard fan of Randy (and soon after of Jason, then soon after of Hyphen). I kick myself for that non-interaction, and I NEED to know if Jason or Derek were there too so I can kick myself harder!
We can all agree that when I saw those speakers I thought huh, someone doesn't have kids riding in the back seat
Questions:
1. What are your thoughts on restomodding? Other than the existing cars which are already being restomodded, what car would you like to see restomodded and what would you do to it?
2. Car company asks you to design the perfect sports car, but it has to use parts from existing vendors to save on costs. What kind of sports car would you design and what existing models would you take the major parts from?
3. Jason mentioned doing some rally school in the past. Is it fun? Would you recommend it?
4. Where do I go if I want to learn how to drive a manual fast? I can do normal traffic stuff but am utterly lost when it comes to dual clutching, heel toeing and other arcane techniques. Where do I go to git gud?
5. When are the two of you going to go on a romanti-...I mean, epic Top Gear-inspired adventure drive across America with the Throttle House duo?
Possible episode about Derek's cars and/or history of the miura
Question from Nicholas:
Hi DTS and Idiot! While discussing the S650 with you at the Concourse (I was Accord Shirt Guy, and thanks for sacrificing your time and stomachs to talk for so long.), it came up that you both felt the car was more or less a facelift for a new generation. That's true, certainly, but one must wonder. How can automakers reinvent the wheel each time?
On the award stage, the Mustang which won its class had background commentary talking about how the Mustang and 911 are just about the only cars you can immediately identify from their shapes. If they redesign, they might risk losing that. Then there's a generation where people lament the lost style and wish it would return.
I guess the ultimate question I'm now getting around to asking is "How do you make a new generation different enough to excite, but emblematic of its nameplate?"
Question: there have been a lot of times that you guys say that the BMW 2002 isn’t for you, why?
I hope its not too late to add a question!
Out of all the cars you have driven that are currently sold new, what model has the best packaging and which model the worst packaging (and why are both from Honda, the Civic and TLX)?
Question for hyphen - Any motorcycles that fill the carmudgeon specification for excellence in experience. Gear driven cams, rev limits of 21k, hub steering
Question: how did you two end up as cali residents?
I've got an Evora GT. Best gas-powered car Lotus ever made for North America. You can't compare the original 2011 Evora to the GT when it comes to performance and other factors. Plus, mine had been modified and dyno tuned to where it's over 500HP at the crank, and over 400ftlbs torque. I drove the Emira before I got the GT. At the time I had a supercharged, etc NSX and felt that was better than the Emira to drive.
Jason, in your experience with the Subaru XT Turbo, I remember you were giggling manically when you took it out for a "hot lap" in "Mexico". Would you ever look for an old Subaru to take out on weekends, or to LeMons to thrash about? As an old Subaru enthusiast (the cars are old, not me dammit), I find them to be one of the most ridiculously fun little cars to drive like you stole and still be under the speed limit.
Also, Hyphen, have you ever experienced an old Subaru? I am referring to the "EA" engine series, which died with the Loyale in 94, but was birthed in the late 60's. If you do, the louder and more obnoxious the exhaust, the better. NA or bust on that experience too (because the turbos like to turn themselves into HG fog machines seemingly at random).
Oh, that was such a fun day in Mexico. I had great tacos after that run. Umm, I was definitely hysterical, but part of it was out of a slight lack of mechanical sympathy for that poor car - the axle hop (thanks to a blown shock) was violent, and the tires had no grip. It was a genuine 10/10 fun experience, and I suspect would have been only barely less fun if the dash hadn't been self-disassembling in the process. :)
I have experienced that exact phenomena, as I was the not so proud, relatively pissed off owner of an '86 XT Turbo. Piece of shantastic engineering. Dash disassembly is a feature, not a bug, and they are much more fun when your concern for their well being is the last priority. When my little blue shitbox wagon is up and running, I offer it to you for a test drive whenever either of you two make it up to the inland Northwest.
question: what is the best looking normal/everyday car of all time?
What distinguishes a sports car from a supercar and a supercar from a hyper car
I'm sure I won't be the first to post this but, the only vehicle to sell for an average price under $20,000 in 2022 was the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Mirage averaged over $19,500 out the door if i remember the article correctly.
Base model 5 speed Nissan Sentra is 15k new
@@TwoDollarGararge I get that the supposed starting price is under twenty grand, but the actual transaction of sale price is what the article was about. In that metric nothing but the mirage sold for under 20 grand, it's kinda like there is a base model 3 Tesla that starts for under 35 thousand, good like being able to actually purchase one though.
Question: Thoughts on the rumored 2025 MR2? With the most recent Toyota GR products, does this get you excited or…?… what does it need to be to be a win?
Maybe electric I don't see that being a good idea as it's either going to compete with the 86 or supra
@@TwoDollarGararge Its supposed to start production when the 86 ends, and it is supposed to be slotted below the Supra. Miata is the competition
@@thetumanshowI kind of picture it being electric or at least not manual maybe a hybrid something or other
Question: Is there something substantially special about the driving experience of a Delta Evo that seems to garner more hype than other turbo AWD cars like Lancers, Celicas etc? Or is it just the rarity and looks (I do admit the Delta Evo looks amazing and that deserves some hype).
2025 M5 Touring... can't wait
I made my girlfriend sick to her stomach on the up and down portions of the Dragon in the Emira. The car definitely won me over again there. It’s a keeper.
How many car years are in one human year?
Derek's list of potential improvements for the current GT3 sound a lot like a 997. Tart up the suspension a bit, throw a shorter final drive ratio on it, and you're there.
If by tart up the suspension you mean do a safari build then yes, that would fix the ground clearance issue.
Question: Of all the cars you’ve driven, which one’s capability as a car was the best match for your capability as a driver?
I think I’ve had more fun slinging e39s around canyon roads (in Mexico) than driving Ferraris and Lamborghinis on track because I don’t have the skill to extract a supercar’s potential.
I totally respect you guys and what you have and philosophy on cars. With that said your are very hampered by where you live and you can't take it with you honestly. I'm not saying go broke but we only live once and you need to enjoy life while we can. People give me crap all the time for how often we change cars and I know it's not smart money but it makes me happy and I'd rather do that than blow money on things that are bad for you or others.
The big question that only time can tell is if theyll make an electric or hybrid sedan to catch our hearts like the carlton did.
Question: will we ever see spare tires as a standard on cars again... even a donut? What is the *real* reason they aren't in cars anymore? mpg? Cost savings? What a pain it is to have to wait for a tow every time
*sigh* I was hoping you guys didn't like the Emira as I'm trying to convince myself to give up my early build slot. Sounds like the shifter on your car was better than the one I drove which was closer to Jason's description of the early Evora grinding going into second every time.
How are Lamborghini and Ferrari going to distinguish their power trains from other brands if they’re all going to be electric
The most magical car I’ve driven (for what I’m seeking) is a 991.2 Carrera T w/manual and carbon fiber bucket seats; based on their review I wonder how close the Emira gets to that? It sounds like it may be damn close.
Here are some questions I have:
-Jason, you say the modern Smallblock is your favorite V8 (and I own a 6th gen SS 1LE) and you also obviously loved the GT350 so why do you like the Smallblock better than the Voodoo? Because it is more reliable or something about the sound?
-Are modern (2000s to now) Porsches really more reliable than other German cars because they are engineered better and more reliably, Porsche being Porsche, or do they just tend to be better maintained/driven fewer miles/collected more than other German brands?
-Why does the Aston Martin 5.9L V12 sound, I guess I would call it, more guttural or interesting than other V12s? I read somewhere that it has uneven firing intervals whereas most V12s have even firing intervals. Is that why?
-Jason, I watched an old Automobile video of yours where you drove the Fisker Karma. Can you tell any interesting knowledge you have about the Karma or the early Fisker brand in general?
Thanks! Hope these make the cut!
To answer the Porsche question I believe it is because they are generally maintained as most Porsches are generally looked at as an investment or the very least they're maintained for the sake of sanity because it's a daily or something like that
Question: With the combustion engine going away, which car manufacturer would you want to bully/resurrect into remaking a new homage model and what would it be (the new Alfa 33 Stradale was mine is why the question comes to mind, even though it doesn't have the 2L V8)
Question: How do you (Derek as a bike rider and Jason as a non-bike rider) view motorcycle enthusiast in relation to car enthusiast?
Question: do either of you have any experience driving or interacting with any rotary engine cars and if so what are your thoughts? I've recently developed a lust for the mazda rx-8, i sincerely think it's one of the last hidden gems of all the manual analog sports cars from the 2000s, aside from maybe the mr2 spyder.
A million years ago R&T did an owner’s survey on a then-new Lotus Europa. The cars had a myriad of issues in different categories. The last question was, Would You Buy Another? 70% said, Yes! I think it was, if not the highest, then one of the highest positive responses to that question they’d ever received and it was in direct contrast the terrible quality/reliability responses. Goes to show all sins are forgiven for a wild ride. Made me laugh.
Question: is it possible in your opinion to use an an older (let's say in their teens to 20-something) car as your main mobility device, combining the best of both worlds (that is, the joy of motoring and relative hassle-free ownership experience)? If yes, what cars do you think would enable it? Apart from 911 of course.
Context: There's a lot of hype these days around youngtimers and 'freshtimers'. I see businesses focused on reselling nice examples of older cars. Even my 15-year-old nephew recently told me 'there aren't that many new cars I would consider buying'. Few years ago I stumbled upon a nice example of a car I always had a soft spot for - an E39. Low mileage, imported from Japan. It wasn't ideal and seemed pricey at the time, at least for something that's 20 years old. I was looking for a car I could use - I don't really need a car on a daily basis, but when I do, it's longer-distance trips - and I was afraid it would end up being another liability, me taking care of it more than it taking care of my need to move about. So I passed on that opportunity.
But the seed was planted. I ended up getting a cheaper, higher (but not crazy high) mileage example from a 'respectable seller', bought from its first owner. I read a lot about the platform's legendary reliability and sturdiness of the M54 engine, so I was convinced I would really be able to use it as 'a normal car'. My buddy, who's just sold his Disco 2 back then was smirking.
The car turned out to be, well, an old car. It never left me stranded (yet) but manifests minor and major issues so often that I started approaching it with mild terror, bracing myslf for something to go wrong every time I sit behind its wheel. It's not a pleasant feeling. I have second thoughts about passing on that other, much less used example, especially summing up my repair bills and estimates.
I listen to your stories about things breaking in your cars and having to own 'that one car that starts every time' and I can't help but wonder... Is this 'old cars better' hype completely baseless? Sure, you can buy a weekend toy, or simply hoard things with no intention of using them. But should I continue grinding through it or just give up and buy that Mk7 Golf?
Another Question: Have you guys considered doing a SCCA or NASA Tarmac Rally Sprint or Hillclimb? Seems right up you guys' alley and you don't have to be hard core competitive. Plenty of people do it for fun.
Got my hopes up that the singing intros were making a comeback. Dang.
Would you consider the 6th generation Camaro on the alpha platform, still a better drivers car then say, an RS5 or an M2/M3/M4?
Just about to start watching, so place your bets on the Mercedes sweepstake.
Let's guess the minute and second a Mercedes gets a mention 🤔🤣
Querry for Ask us anything: Can you speak to whether kei trucks can be used legally in California on our regular roads/streets? What about on our freeways? If yes to either querry, how so i make this happen? Are there specific importers to seek out? Will they help satisfy carb and registration requirements or is that on the buyer?
Context/Reasons i am considering a kei truck:
I am get conflicting information when i attempt to look into kei trucks in California and i am completely confused ATM.
I "need" a truck and have been trying to get the Ford Maverick but the prices are still insane and now the cost to finance is really high; the same is true for used trucks that are "small" ATM.
Also if i am honest with myself, a kei truck is about all the trucks i need - it is to make small dump runs, mulch/soil pickup runs, etc. Also a kei truck would give me an experience that i can't get in the US from an alternate vehicle.
I also considered get a 1500/2000/3000gvwr trailer to tow with my Toyota Highlander/Subaru Outback (yeah, i know they are bland boring vehicles) but my HoA requires trailers not be visible from the street and i do not have the ability to do this at my property.
I think a kei truck can be curb or driveway parked if its a registered motor vehicle since it would satify the requirements for an allowed vehicle...i know i should probably get clarification but i would rather ask forgiveness than permission on something that would be a grey area item, 😂