The Audi TT is Back! Lotus is in Big Trouble. Best Porsche 911? THIS CAR POD! EP76

SUMMARY

In episode 76 of THIS CAR POD, hosted by Doug DeMuro, Kenan and Filippo discuss automotive news like the Audi TT revival, Nissan Xterra return, Lotus losses, and market trends, alongside personal car stories and Q&A.

CORE INFORMATION

The podcast kicks off with excitement over Audi's revival of the TT as the fully electric Concept C, a hardtop convertible two-seater sports car set for production in 2027, based on the upcoming Porsche Cayman/Boxster platform. Hosts Doug DeMuro, Kenan, and Filippo reminisce about the original TT's revolutionary design from 1997, which introduced bold fender flares and earned controversy for its Automobile magazine cover headline. They express hope that the new model will retain its striking concept aesthetics under Audi's new Italian design head, though skepticism lingers about production fidelity, drawing parallels to past odd concepts like the Rosemire. The discussion highlights Audi's push into Formula 1 and the end of Porsche's gas-powered 718 production, sparking debates on electric sports cars versus purist manuals.

Shifting to market missteps, the hosts celebrate Nissan's decision to revive the Xterra for 2028 as a body-on-frame SUV with V6 hybrid power, addressing a glaring error in discontinuing it around 2015 amid booming off-road demand. They critique Nissan's past arrogance in ignoring the segment where Toyota sold millions of 4Runners, and speculate on potential Infiniti variants for brand credibility. In a related note, Nissan plans 20 new models by 2028, including a manual NISMO Z after enthusiast backlash, though sales have flopped at just 12 units since launch, underscoring delays in responding to demand. The segment underscores broader industry lessons on listening to consumers and avoiding outdated components like poor backup cameras.

Financial woes dominate as Ineos slashes prices on its Grenadier SUV by $8,000 and Quartermaster pickup by $8,500 due to excess inventory and low U.S. demand, despite its appeal to affluent buyers seeking modernized old-school off-roaders like Defenders. Lotus reports a $263 million half-year loss, cutting 550 jobs amid U.S. tariffs, development costs for the Emira, and struggles selling models like the Eletre in restricted markets. The hosts trace Lotus's tradition of lightweight innovation clashing with financial instability, now under Chinese ownership via Geely, which leverages brand heritage to penetrate Western markets. Political tangents emerge with the failure of "Leno's Law" in California, exempting pre-1990 vehicles from emissions, blocked by lawmakers over unstated costs, revealing legislative ignorance on existing out-of-state registrations and enforcement gaps.

IDEAS

Audi TT revival as electric convertible signals bold F1 tie-in strategy.
Original TT's 1997 design revolutionized fender aesthetics in sports cars.
Porsche 718 production ends, mourning 30 years of gas-powered Boxster legacy.
Electric Boxster would betray purist manual driving essence of originals.
Nissan's Xterra cancellation in 2015 was worst product planning blunder ever.
Revived Xterra's V6 hybrid on Frontier chassis counters Toyota's off-road dominance.
Nissan's 20 new models by 2028 include manual NISMO Z after fan outcry.
NISMO Z sales flop at 12 units highlights delayed manual transmission response.
Ineos Grenadier price cuts reflect niche appeal to rich faux-rugged buyers.
Lotus's $263 million loss stems from U.S. tariffs and Eletre import bans.
Chinese ownership of Lotus infuses tech but dilutes "add lightness" philosophy.
Leno's Law failure exposes California lawmakers' ignorance of emissions realities.
More legislators like New Hampshire's model could improve bill accountability.
Ford's recall surge traces to 2020 consent order fining $165 million for delays.
Filippo sells Mercedes wagon after 55,000 miles, citing underuse versus GTI.
Kenan's Viper drive reveals crude charm despite heat and no traction control.
Doug's 5 million YouTube subscribers mark milestone with 2.26 billion views.
Throttle House's reduced output hints at potential Top Gear revival involvement.
Doug's Ford GT garage scrape proves PPF's value in preventing paint damage.
Porsche 991 emerges as modern 993 equivalent in collector value appreciation.
L405 Range Rovers hold strong resale despite reliability reputation concerns.
Fifth-gen Toyota 4Runner hailed as greatest SUV ever for durability and sales.
Virginia's radar bans and high taxes make it worst state for enthusiasts.
Kenan's E39 M5 maintenance costs justified by 100,000 miles of joy.
Birth-year cars like 1994 Saab 900 evoke nostalgia over modern alternatives.
CT5-V Blackwing's manual V8 offers rare gasoline "range anxiety" thrill.
Interstate 70's Utah-to-Denver stretch is U.S. highways' most scenic drive.
Market prizes 991.1 manuals as last naturally aspirated Porsche era icons.
Lotus Emira's excellence undermined by poor value retention in used market.

INSIGHTS

Reviving icons like TT electric shows brands balancing heritage with electrification mandates.
Product planning failures like Xterra's cancellation reveal arrogance ignoring market trends.
Price drops on niche vehicles like Grenadier indicate overproduction versus true demand.
Financial losses at storied brands like Lotus highlight Chinese investment's double-edged sword.
Legislative blocks like Leno's Law expose policymakers' disconnect from real-world enforcement.
Consent orders force proactive recalls, potentially improving overall industry safety standards.
Personal car ownership evolves from utility to emotional attachment, driving sales decisions.
YouTube milestones like 5 million subs underscore content's power in automotive influence.
Collector markets favor "last of breed" models, predicting 991's future value surge.
SUV durability like fifth-gen 4Runner's proves timeless appeal in off-road segments.
State laws like Virginia's stifle enthusiast culture more than high-profile regulations.

QUOTES

"A Boxster EV is not a Boxster."
"This was the single worst automotive product planning decision in my lifetime."
"Lotus sells Lotus which is now owned by Geely, memory serves."
"Lightweight struggles with money. That is kind of how things go."
"The great irony is that all these cars are already here."
"There's not enough legislators."
"Ford signed a consent order. They would pay a massive fine to the government, $165 million."
"It's been such a great car. It's been just exceptional in every way."
"It is so crude and poorly built and not a lot of thought went into design at all."
"The 991 is the 993 of the modern 911."
"The fifth gen is number one by far."
"Virginia is the worst place in the United States for car enthusiasts."
"I paid $10,800 for it... all in like with the purchase price of the car, I think I'm at like 72."
"The last manual V8 sedan. It is, right? Got to be."
"Interstate 70 which runs from the middle of nowhere in Utah to somewhere in Maryland."
"The E39 is just regarded by enthusiasts cuz it combined a great number of things."
"Don't condone speeding."
"If you could, you would."
"The market speaks on what those cars are worth and there is a reason."
"It's such a special thing that still exists."

HABITS

Reminiscing about original car designs during new model announcements.
Debating electric versus manual purism in sports car discussions.
Critiquing past product decisions to inform future industry strategies.
Monitoring sales data to assess model popularity and flops.
Analyzing price adjustments for niche vehicles like Grenadiers.
Tracking financial losses and job cuts in automotive brands.
Engaging in political advocacy for car enthusiast legislation.
Reviewing recall histories to understand regulatory compliance.
Documenting personal mileage and maintenance on owned vehicles.
Testing borrowed cars like Vipers for enthusiast appeal.
Celebrating YouTube milestones with view and subscriber counts.
Speculating on media shifts like Throttle House to Top Gear.
Applying paint protection film to prevent garage scrapes.
Evaluating market trends for collector car appreciation.
Ranking SUV generations based on durability and design.
Identifying worst states for speeding enforcement experiences.
Justifying long-term ownership costs per mile driven.
Selecting birth-year cars for nostalgic collection building.
Leasing EVs for lifestyle fit and supercharger access.
Hosting events with streamlined payment tools like Square.

FACTS

Audi TT concept based on new Cayman/Boxster platform for 2027.
Original TT launched in 1997, featured on Automobile magazine cover.
Porsche 718 Boxster production ended after 30 years in 2024.
Nissan Xterra discontinued in 2015, revived as 2028 hybrid V6.
Toyota sold 1.5 million 4Runners since Xterra's cancellation.
Nissan NISMO Z sold only 12 units since January 2024 launch.
Ineos Grenadier SUV price dropped $8,000 to start at $72,000.
Lotus lost $263 million in first half of 2024, cutting 550 jobs.
Leno's Law would exempt pre-1990 cars from California emissions.
Ford paid $165 million fine in 2020 consent order for recalls.
Filippo's Mercedes wagon bought for $27,500, now at 119,000 miles.
2005 Dodge Viper SRT10 has 8.3L V10 and six-speed manual.
Doug DeMuro's YouTube channel reached 5 million subscribers.
Porsche 991.1 manual sold for $74,000 despite base spec.
L405 Range Rover sold for $19,100 with 83,000 miles.
Fifth-gen Toyota 4Runner considered greatest SUV ever made.
Virginia bans radar detectors and requires dual license plates.
Kenan's E39 M5 cost $72,000 total over 100,000 miles.
Interstate 70 spans Utah to Maryland, scenic through Rockies.
1994 cars include Ferrari F355 and Nissan R32 GT-R options.

REFERENCES

Audi Concept C (TT revival concept car).
Porsche Cayman/Boxster platform.
Original Audi TT (1997 model).
Automobile magazine (TT cover story).
Peter Schreyer (original TT designer at Kia).
Audi Rosemire concept car.
Porsche 718 Boxster (ending production).
Nissan Xterra (discontinued 2015, reviving 2028).
Toyota 4Runner (rival off-roader).
Nissan Frontier chassis.
Infiniti (potential Xterra variant).
Nissan NISMO Z (manual version).
Throttle House (YouTube channel reviews).
Ineos Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster pickup.
Land Rover Defender (Grenadier comparison).
Lotus Emira, Eletre, Evija (models).
Geely (Lotus owner).
Jay Leno's Law (California emissions bill).
Buffy Wicks (California assembly chair).
Audi RS6 (next-gen plug-in hybrid).
BMW M5 Touring (rival to RS6).
Mercedes E53 (plug-in hybrid wagon).
Ford Escape (canceled model).
Lincoln Corsair (Escape stablemate).
Jaguar S-Type (sponsorship reference).
Sting's Desert Rose (S-Type commercial song).
Mercedes wagon (Filippo's car on Cars & Bids).
Dodge Viper SRT10 (2005 third-gen).
Fast and Furious (Viper movie appearance).
Ford GT (Doug's crashed car).
Paint Protection Film (PPF) by Elite Finish.
Porsche 991 (market report focus).
Porsche 993, 997 (comparisons).
Range Rover L405 (2013-2020 model).
Toyota 4Runner generations (ranked).
BMW E39 M5 (Kenan's car).
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (manual V8).
Lexus LX450 (ad reference).
Cars & Bids (auction site, sold cars).
ExpressVPN (sponsor for online security).
PrizePicks (sponsor for sports betting).
Square (sponsor for payments).
DeleteMe (sponsor for data privacy).
Road & Track magazine (1997 Ferrari lineup).
Lamborghini Countach crystal model (gift).

HOW TO APPLY

Research upcoming platforms like Cayman/Boxster for investment in shared tech.
Advocate for model revivals by tracking sales data and fan feedback online.
Monitor price drops on niche vehicles to snag deals at dealerships.
Analyze financial reports of brands like Lotus for acquisition opportunities.
Lobby local legislators for car-friendly laws using media and letters.
Comply with consent orders by proactively inspecting vehicles for recalls.
Track personal vehicle mileage to decide on sales versus maintenance investments.
Test drive classics like Vipers to assess modern versus retro appeal.
Build YouTube audience by consistent content on automotive quirks.
Speculate on media shifts by following channels like Throttle House.
Apply PPF to high-value cars to protect against minor impacts.
Evaluate collector potential by comparing models like 991 to 993.
Rank vehicles in segments by durability for purchase decisions.
Avoid enthusiast-unfriendly states like Virginia for car ownership.
Calculate total ownership costs per mile for long-term justifications.
Select birth-year cars via auctions for personal collection nostalgia.
Lease EVs with supercharger access for practical daily driving.
Host car events using tools like Square for seamless transactions.
Engage community Q&A on podcasts to build listener interaction.
Debate rankings publicly to refine personal automotive preferences.

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Automotive news reveals revivals, losses, and market shifts emphasizing enthusiast-driven innovation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Revive discontinued models like Xterra to capture off-road market growth.
Introduce manuals in sports cars promptly to satisfy purist demands.
Slash prices on niche SUVs to clear excess inventory quickly.
Cut jobs strategically in struggling brands to stem financial bleeding.
Push emissions exemptions for classics via grassroots legislative campaigns.
Enhance recall processes with independent oversight for safety compliance.
Sell underused wagons when mileage hits maintenance tipping points.
Drive crude classics like Vipers for raw, unrefined excitement.
Celebrate subscriber milestones with view-focused content strategies.
Transition YouTube creators to TV formats like Top Gear reboots.
Install PPF on exotics to mitigate everyday collision damages.
Invest in 991 Porsches as appreciating modern collector icons.
Prioritize fifth-gen 4Runners for unbeatable SUV reliability.
Relocate from states like Virginia to enthusiast-friendly areas.
Maintain E39 M5s long-term for cost-effective performance joy.
Choose birth-year cars like 1994 Saabs for nostalgic ownership.
Lease CT5-V Blackwings to experience rare manual V8 thrills.
Drive Interstate 70 for America's most scenic cross-country route.
Rank vehicle generations collaboratively for informed buying.
Use privacy tools like DeleteMe to protect online personal data.

MEMO

In the latest episode of This Car Pod, hosted by automotive enthusiast Doug DeMuro alongside co-hosts Kenan and Filippo, the trio dives into pulsating developments in the car world, blending nostalgia with sharp critiques of industry missteps. The spotlight falls on Audi's bold resurrection of the iconic TT as the electric Concept C, a sleek hardtop convertible poised for 2027 production on the shared Porsche Cayman/Boxster platform. This move, tied to Audi's Formula 1 ambitions, evokes fond memories of the 1997 original's revolutionary design, though hosts express cautious optimism about retaining its concept allure amid Porsche's shift away from gas-powered 718 models.

Nissan's reversal on the beloved Xterra steals the show as a redemption arc for one of the auto industry's gravest errors—discontinuing it in 2015 just as off-road SUVs exploded in popularity. Slated for a 2028 return with V6 hybrid power on the Frontier chassis, the revival underscores Nissan's broader offensive of 20 new models, including a long-overdue manual NISMO Z. Yet, the Z's dismal sales of just 12 units since launch highlight the perils of ignoring enthusiast clamors, a theme echoed in Ineos's drastic price cuts on the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster pickup, signaling overambitious production for a niche appealing mainly to affluent adventurers seeking modern Defenders.

Financial turbulence at Lotus, with a staggering $263 million half-year loss and 550 job cuts, paints a somber picture of the brand's lightweight legacy clashing with Chinese ownership realities under Geely. U.S. tariffs and unsold models like the Eletre exacerbate woes, even as the Emira shines as a phenomenal sports car. Political frustrations surface in the demise of "Leno's Law," California's failed bid to exempt pre-1990 vehicles from emissions, thwarted by uninformed legislators who overlook existing out-of-state driving and revenue losses. The discussion pivots to Ford's recall frenzy, rooted in a $165 million 2020 consent order, transforming the automaker into a proactive safety leader amid the Escape's cancellation.

Personal anecdotes add levity, from Filippo's decision to sell his trusty Mercedes wagon after 119,000 miles of exceptional service, to Kenan's exhilarating yet heat-baked drive in a 2005 Dodge Viper SRT10, praising its crude V10 charm. Doug celebrates his YouTube channel's 5 million subscribers and 2.26 billion views, while pondering Throttle House's potential Top Gear pivot and the unyielding value of paint protection film after scraping his Ford GT. Market insights crown the Porsche 991 as the modern 993— a collector's darling— and the fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner as the greatest SUV ever, with L405 Range Rovers defying reliability stereotypes through strong resale.

Community questions cap the episode with spirited debates: ranking 4Runner generations, lamenting Virginia as the worst enthusiast state due to radar bans and taxes, and justifying Kenan's E39 M5 maintenance over a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Birth-year car picks evoke nostalgia, from Doug's Ferrari fantasies to Filippo's pragmatic 1994 Saab, reinforcing the pod's blend of expert analysis and relatable passion for wheels.