Car Chat

Petrol Ped joins me to talk hybrids, from plug-ins to Porsche’s new 911 GTS-T Hybrid. We dig into whether a hybrid is better than the same car without. What makes a good PHEV, why real-world MPG figures are nonsense, and how Porsche is bringing back the ICE Boxster / Cayman. Enjoy. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@PetrolPed Show Notes: 02:51 Plug-In Hybrids vs. Full EVs — The Real-World Trade-Off 06:03 How Modern Plug-In Hybrids Finally Got Good 09:00 Charging, Battery Health, and the Myths Around 3-Pin Leads 11:54 Living With a FEV — Real Use, Real Range 15:03 Why WLTP MPG Figures Mean Nothing 17:51 The Hidden Emissions Debate — Manufacturing vs. Use 21:09 What Actually Matters When Buying a Car 23:49 Are EVs Ready for Everyone Yet? 26:50 When Hybrid Tech Meets Performance Cars 30:04 Porsche 911 GTS-T Hybrid — Engineering a Future 911 32:49 EVs, FEVs and Finding the Right Balance 53:50 Porsche Ownership: When “Bulletproof” Isn’t 57:10 The 718 Spyder — Rediscovering What Driving Feels Like 01:02:22 Porsche’s Next Chapter: ICE, Hybrid, or Electric? 01:10:49 Hydrogen, eFuels and Other Future Powertrains 01:18:07 Have We Hit the Speed Limit for Combustion Cars? 01:34:35 Restomods, Soul and the Future of Car Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Clark is the founder of Outrun Films and one of the leading automotive directors working in the industry today. From Bugatti and McLaren to Aston Martin, Al’s career spans viral films, major commercials, and the evolution of CGI car production. We discuss his journey from grassroots filming to global campaigns, what goes into making hypercars look their best on screen, and how the industry is adapting to new platforms. Enjoy, https://www.outrun.tv/ 00:00 – Intro & Al Clark’s path into car filmmaking 03:00 – How car marketing has evolved over the years 06:00 – Social media reshaping how we see cars 09:00 – From photography to video: the big industry shift 12:00 – Viral clips vs lasting storytelling 15:00 – Shooting for Instagram vs cinematic framing 18:00 – Moving from camera operator to director 21:00 – Why story matters in car films 24:00 – Breaking into the automotive film world 27:00 – Working with OEMs & the realities of brand projects 30:00 – Small crews vs 100-person productions 33:00 – Balancing creativity with logistics on set 36:00 – Where car filmmaking is heading next 39:00 – Why passion for cars shows on screen 42:00 – Shooting Bollywood action with supercars 45:00 – Keeping energy high on long shoots 48:00 – Why car enthusiasts make the best crew 54:00 – Second unit directors & filming car action 58:00 – The stunt drivers who make impossible shots possible 01:00 – Standout driving feats on set 01:02 – Behind the Bugatti Chiron 0–400–0 film 01:10 – First steps into CGI car filmmaking 01:22 – Unlocking creativity with full CGI 01:36 – Real cars vs CGI: where the future lies 01:42 – Why real stories and documentary-style films endure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rod Chong is a creative director and automotive cultural icon whose career spans music videos, video games, and real-world car culture. In this episode, Sam explores Rod’s journey from directing rock music videos to co-founding Speedhunters, leading creative direction on Need for Speed and Project CARS, and building cutting-edge car experiences at Race Service with brands like Ferrari and Porsche. It’s a deep dive into racing games, car culture storytelling, and the art of blending virtual and real motorsport. Enjoy Show Notes: 00:00 – Why Loving the Creative Process Matters 02:12 – From Drawing Cars to Directing Culture 06:04 – Making Need for Speed and Project CARS 19:08 – Inside Roborace: Autonomous Racing at Speed 24:46 – The Hard Truth About Game Development 32:11 – Track Days, Sim Rigs, and Getting Serious 39:07 – How Speedhunters Changed Car Media 44:11 – Race Service, F1 Clients, and Global Collabs 49:25 – From Street Car to Hot Wheels Diecast 51:48 – Building a Street-Legal Porsche 935 56:42 – Running Canyons with a Built Cayman 01:01:38 – Best Drives, Future Builds, and Dream Garage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katarina Kyvalova races everything from pre-war Bentleys to Jaguar E-Types at places like Le Mans, Spa, and Monaco. We talk about her mad first race in a 1928 Bentley, how she handles gearboxes with no synchro, and what it’s really like driving five weeks across the world in the Beijing to Paris rally. Enjoy. https://www.instagram.com/kkyvalova/ Chapters: 00:00 – Why Racing Is Addictive 03:01 – From Classic Rally Co-Driver to Vintage Race Addict 05:57 – Baptism by Fire: Her First Race Was a 24-Hour in a 1928 Bentley 09:05 – Endurance Racing in Pre-War Machinery (No Seatbelts, No Syncros) 11:59 – Mastering Crash-Box Gearboxes and Central Throttle Pedals 15:12 – Jumping Between Pre-War Bentleys and GT4 Cars 18:02 – Adjusting Driving Style for Every Car – E-Type vs. Healey vs. LMP 21:02 – Beijing to Paris: A Five-Week Endurance Rally With No Team Support 24:09 – What Makes Historic Racing Totally Different From GT Racing 26:57 – Learning Teamwork at 100kph: Rallying With No Backup 30:07 – Brake Fade, Sticking Throttles & Other Historic Race Surprises 33:10 – Dream Garage, Future Races & the One That Got Away Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Prior is back for a good rant about car tech gone wrong — from driver-monitoring nags to touchscreens where buttons should be. We cover the charm of the Ineos Grenadier, the Ariel Nomad, small luxury cars, and Matt’s latest purchase, plus behind-the-scenes stories from Autocar’s “My Week in Cars.” Enjoy. https://www.autocar.co.uk/ Show Notes: 00:00 – Why Cars Nag You: Attention Assist and Driver Monitoring03:02 – How The Podcast Started (and Who’s Behind It)05:55 – Weird Cars We Love: Niche Gems and Cult Favourites09:05 – Why Car Companies Make Odd Decisions11:37 – Luxury Cars: What Actually Sells and Why14:44 – Can Small Car Makers Survive the EV Shift?17:39 – How Car Design Has Evolved (and What Buyers Want Now)20:31 – Speed Isn’t Everything: What Makes a Great Drive23:49 – When Tech Helps vs When It Just Gets in the Way26:34 – The Laws That Shape the Cars We Get42:43 – Why Small Cars Got So Big47:07 – Premium Feel in Pint-Sized Cars49:06 – Real Quality vs Perceived Quality51:18 – Why New Tech Can Be So Annoying56:33 – Driver Aids: Helpful or Just a Hassle?01:00:46 – Why Simple Cars Are So Hard to Make Now01:09:43 – The UI Problem: Why Are Car Screens Still So Bad?01:15:29 – The Sweet Spot Between Features and Frustration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Goran Turkic, founder and CEO of Tedson Motors, returns to the podcast to discuss their bold new project: the Etna. Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, yet radically re-engineered and redesigned, the Etna aims to deliver the most authentic driving experience possible in 2025. Goran shares insights into the challenges of blending Lamborghini's iconic V10 heritage with cutting-edge technology, achieving over 10,000 RPM, and how they've completely reimagined the Gallardo chassis and aesthetics. Enjoy https://tedsonmotors.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Reinventing the Gallardo: A New Era Begins 09:02 Technical Mastery: Power, Balance, and Production 17:57 Choosing the Gallardo: A Design and Heritage Perspective 25:07 Mastering the V10: Engineering and RPM 33:17 Aerodynamics and Technical Innovations 39:24 Manufacturing Techniques and Future Ambitions 43:12 Client Preferences: Balancing Power and Usability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy Heynes (Shore) is an acclaimed automotive and lifestyle photographer known for her distinctive, storytelling style that blends photojournalism with classic automotive scenes. In this episode, Amy joins Sam Moores to delve into her journey from wedding photography to becoming a prominent figure capturing the emotional and human elements of the automotive world. They discuss the nuances of developing a personal style, navigating commercial pressures, and finding genuine inspiration beyond the automotive sector. Amy also shares valuable insights into why limitations spark creativity, the significance of natural lighting, and her experiences shooting iconic events like Goodwood Revival. An inspiring chat for anyone passionate about photography, cars, or the artistry behind capturing moments. Enjoy. https://amyshorephotography.com/ Show Notes: 00:00 Finding Your Photography Style 04:57 The Journey into Automotive Photography 10:11 Developing a Unique Perspective 15:11 The Role of Storytelling in Photography 20:08 Inspiration Beyond the Automotive World 25:10 Embracing Limitations for Creativity 29:59 The Importance of Gear and Comfort 34:49 Navigating Social Interactions as a Photographer 36:17 Incorporating Yourself into the Moment 39:31 The Art of Photography: Rules and Personal Style 45:47 Becoming a Nikon Ambassador 51:22 The Evolution of Camera Technology 55:13 Favourite Events and Storytelling in Photography 01:01:47 Visual Beauty and Personal Connection to Photography 01:07:22 Exploring Unique Locations for Photography 01:08:02 Challenges in Photography Shoots 01:10:27 Creative Freedom vs. Client Constraints 01:12:53 The Balance of Freelancing and Collaboration 01:13:03 Hobbies Beyond Photography 01:14:21 The Impact of Music on Creativity 01:19:27 Navigating the Pressure of Video Production 01:21:43 Finding Joy in the Day-to-Day 01:25:54 Memorable Road Trips and Experiences 01:27:14 Dream Cars and Personal Favorites 01:28:07 Undervalued Cars in the Market 01:30:46 Starting a Business in Car Restoration 01:34:15 The Five Car Garage Dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Car Chat Podcast, photographer Kevin McCauley, renowned for his distinctive automotive imagery shares insights from his journey from graphic design to professional car photography. Kevin details his evolution from shooting exclusively on iPhones to producing editorial, commercial, and auction photography for leading automotive brands. The discussion explores his unique approach to capturing cars, the importance of embracing event atmospheres, and his new book, "Waiting for the Sun to Come Down," which highlights dramatic car photography in challenging lighting. Kevin also dives into the nuances of social media presence, his approach to creative inspiration, and balancing video and photo projects. Enjoy. Explore more about Kevin's work: https://capturingthemachine.com Show Notes: 00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Car Photography 03:12 The Journey from Graphic Design to Car Photography 06:09 The Balancing Act: Writing and Photography 09:00 The Evolution of Video Content Creation 11:52 Exploring Unique Car Projects 15:00 The Impact of Environment on Car Photography 18:01 The Art of Shooting with a Phone 20:55 Transitioning Back to Professional Photography 23:53 Creating a Book: The Process and Inspiration 37:04 Arranging the Visual Narrative 39:27 The Role of the Publisher 40:53 Choosing the Right Foreword 44:49 Marketing and Production Decisions 46:30 Passion Over Profit 49:35 Creating a Unique Photography Book 51:14 The Evolution of Photography Styles 56:11 The Impact of Technology on Photography 01:01:55 Social Media Strategy and Challenges 01:10:46 The Journey of Car Photography 01:11:52 The Power of Photography 01:14:52 Memories Captured Through Photos 01:16:44 Exploring Photography Techniques 01:20:44 The Challenges of Event Photography 01:23:54 Incorporating People in Photography 01:29:32 The Art of Street Photography 01:34:55 Color Dynamics in Car Photography 01:38:44 Memorable Driving Experiences 01:40:39 The Future of Cars and EVs 01:41:34 Building the Ultimate Car Garage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joey Seely, founder of E-Motion Engineering, joins the Car Chat Podcast to discuss his journey from motorsport mechanic to running one of the premier automotive tuning and suspension setup companies. Joey shares his expertise on vehicle dynamics, suspension tuning, his motorsport adventures, and what it takes to make a car truly handle. A deep dive for enthusiasts who appreciate the art and science of automotive engineering. Enjoy. https://emotionengineering.co Show Notes: 00:00 The Art of Porsche Engineering 03:02 Joey Seely's Journey in Racing 05:57 Evolution of Porsche Race Cars 09:02 Challenges of Racing at Pike's Peak 12:03 Memorable Racing Experiences 15:03 The Development of Race Cars 17:56 Chassis Engineering Insights 21:07 Building Cars the Right Way 23:59 Adjustability in Car Tuning 26:48 The Role of Professional Drivers 38:27 The Importance of Quality in Car Parts 41:02 Tailoring Performance for Street and Track 44:11 Understanding Suspension Dynamics 49:07 Optimising Tire Performance 52:32 The Role of Compliance in Suspension 56:06 Building a Reputation in the Car Community 01:00:49 Collaborations and Notable Projects 01:04:06 Comparing Race Cars and Street Cars 01:08:02 The Art of Tailored Car Setup 01:14:29 The Power of Word of Mouth Marketing 01:16:13 The Joy of Driving and Car Enthusiasm 01:18:19 Maintenance of Classic Cars 01:20:42 The Allure of Vintage Porsches 01:22:02 Personal Hot Rods and Racing Experiences 01:26:39 Building Custom Cars: A Passion Project 01:30:26 Future Projects and Innovations in Car Building 01:35:16 Memorable Driving Experiences 01:39:02 The Ideal Sports Car 01:43:22 Undervalued Cars in the Market 01:46:45 The Future of Automotive Technology 01:48:46 The Ultimate Five-Car Garage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonny Hart, founder of Classic Retrofit, joins the podcast to talk about modernising classic cars while preserving their charm. With a background in aerospace and electronics, Jonny has developed innovative plug-and-play solutions that improve reliability, from fuse panels to full climate control systems. We discuss the challenges of integrating modern tech into old-school vehicles, working with restomod pioneers like Singer, and the future of automotive electronics. Enjoy. https://www.classicretrofit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Riccardo Quaggio is the founder and creative force behind Totem Automobili. Riccardo shares his journey from being a designer at Alfa Romeo to launching a brand that builds fully re-engineered, handcrafted Alfa Romeo Giulia GT restomods with modern technology, custom-built engines, and obsessive attention to detail. https://totemautomobili.com/ We discuss how Totem began with an electric restomod before shifting focus to an ultra-lightweight twin-turbo V6 version, the challenges of designing an entire car—including a custom carbon fibre monocoque, a completely new suspension, and a bespoke engine—and why something as seemingly simple as designing a door can be harder than making an engine from scratch. Riccardo also explains the complexities of homologation, crash testing, European regulations, the trade-offs between petrol and EV, and the excruciating attention to comfort and drivability he desires in his builds. Show Notes: 00:00 The Golden Era of Car Design 02:01 From Designer to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins 06:08 Reimagining the Alfa Romeo: The Restomod Concept 10:01 Building a Car from Scratch: The Engine Development 13:48 Navigating Regulations: Crash Testing and Compliance 20:02 Electric vs. Petrol: Understanding Customer Preferences 24:04 Challenges in Electric Vehicle Development 30:05 Balancing Comfort and Performance in Car Design 34:32 Developing Traction Control and Customization Options 38:00 Innovative Engine Design and Performance Goals 44:26 Challenges in Scaling Production and Supplier Relations 48:28 Future Developments and Customer Satisfaction 50:19 Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Preferences 56:39 Dream Garage: A Blend of Classic and Modern Cars #AlfaRomeo #TotemAutomobili #CarChatPodcast #Restomod #AutomotiveDesign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we sit down with Tim Dutton, the man behind Ivan Dutton, a specialist restoration business dedicated to pre-war Bugattis. Tim shares his deep-rooted family history in motorsport and Bugatti restoration, tracing back to his grandfather’s time as a riding mechanic at Brooklands. https://www.duttonbugatti.co.uk/ The conversation covers the intricacies of restoring and maintaining these historic machines, from the engineering brilliance of Ettore Bugatti to the evolving world of vintage car ownership and racing. Tim explains the differences in Grand Prix Bugattis, the art of engine tuning, and the challenges of recreating rare parts with old-school techniques. From driving a Bugatti 35 down to Monaco for the historic GP to racing in the Le Mans Classic at sunrise, Tim’s stories highlight the passion, skill, and dedication required to keep these legendary cars alive. They also touch on the evolution of historic racing, the impact of modern technology, and how the market for classic Bugattis has changed over the years. If you love vintage motorsport, engineering craftsmanship, or just great car stories, there is lots here. Show Notes: 00:00 The Allure of Le Mans and Vintage Racing 03:00 A Family Legacy in Bugatti Restoration 06:04 The Evolution of Motor Racing 08:57 Understanding Bugatti Ownership 12:05 The Artistic Vision Behind Bugatti 14:55 Restoration Processes and Challenges 18:04 Tailoring Cars to Drivers' Needs 21:13 Driving Experience of Vintage Grand Prix Cars 23:50 The Technical Aspects of Racing Bugattis 27:02 Modern Challenges in Restoration and Engineering 30:50 Understanding Advance / Retard in Classic Cars 32:36 Modernizing Pre-War Cars for Comfort 35:26 Restoration Challenges: Balancing Authenticity and Modern Standards 39:32 The Evolution of Machining and Restoration Techniques 42:43 Navigating the Market for Classic Bugatti Cars 51:40 Racing Dynamics: The Importance of Authenticity 56:12 Testing Classic Cars: Challenges and Solutions 59:15 Iconic Bugatti Models and Their Features 01:01:03 The Challenges of Racing on Open Roads 01:02:28 The Thrill of Trialing and Endurance Racing 01:04:55 The Bonds Formed Through Racing 01:06:32 The Art of Engine Turning and Car Restoration 01:09:10 The Dilemma of Concours Restoration 01:12:49 The Stories Behind Historic Cars 01:15:22 The Evolution of Bugatti and Its Legacy 01:20:34 The Future of Bugatti in Modern Automotive Culture 01:30:02 Memorable Driving Experiences and Dream Cars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices