ninetyoneoctane

Carlos V |#273 - Bimmer Invasion Breaks Records, Racing Porsches, and We Go Head-to-Head!

In this episode of we dive Under the Hood into a series of automotive news stories with our special guest, Carlos Valenzuela. We kick things off with the jaw-dropping news that Bimmer Invasion Los Angeles has broken the Guinness World Record for the largest collective oil leak. Moving on, we discuss California's new driving exam, which now includes heart-pounding maneuvers at Willow Springs Raceway, sparking a debate on whether it will produce better or more reckless drivers. We also delve into the unexpected revelation from FIA drug testing that Max Verstappen might actually be a robot. Then, Helmut Marko confuses Checo for being South American. Lastly, we talk about a man who can only remember people by the cars they drive, leading us to discuss our own memorable car experiences and eccentricities. The episode includes an engaging interview segment with Carlos Valenzuela, where we chat about his current and future car plans, as well as racing aspirations. And to top it all off, we go head-to-head with a friendly game of What the Hell is That?

RaceFFPod /// Jaime | $3M Altima, Gran Turismo Gold S-Licenses, and The Chassis Code Challenge!

On this episode, a 40-year-old man has taken an unusual legal route by suing the creators of Gran Turismo for not granting him a pro driver status after he achieved gold on his first attempt in every S License mission. This raises questions about the transformative power of video games and whether one's virtual achievements can translate into real-life pursuits. Shifting gears, the automotive world witnessed some jaw-dropping sales, including a zero-mile Nissan Altima fetching a staggering $3 million in a Bring-a-Trailer auction, alongside a 36k mile Geo Metro Convertible and a 1988 Yugo selling for surprising prices. Speculations arise about future collector cars, leaving us pondering the potential value of a decent-condition 100k mile EG Civic in 25 years. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man's financial journey took an unexpected turn as he transformed into a financial guru after financing a used Charger with zero down-payment and a daunting 40% APR, prompting reflections on the worst financial mistakes and the credibility of such self-made experts. In the realm of automotive stunts, a "stance kid" achieved an astounding 90 degrees of camber, causing his car to take flight like the Back to the Future Delorean. This phenomenon sparks discussions about owning Deloreans, favorite car movies, and the most clapped out car ever driven. The interview touches on current cars, plans, and future prospects, as well as the evolution of the RaceFFPod podcast and racing aspirations. Lastly, the Chassis Code Challenge adds some friendly competition as we go head to head with our guest to see who knows more chassis codes!

Tony Driven | #271 - Mustang GTD’s Warning, Cloning Verstappen, and The Ultimate Automotive Anime Challenge!

In this episode, featuring our guest host Tony Driven, we're delving into the latest buzz from the car world. Ford is grabbing everyone's attention by claiming that their new Mustang GTD can clear crowds an impressive 36% faster than before. And guess what? Tony is here to help choose between a Porsche GT3 or a Mustang GT3. We're also exploring the intriguing decision by Ford to include the letter 'D' in GT3, which stands for Grand Touring Daytona Class. Shifting gears, we're diving into a discussion about Verstappen's audacious plan to create clones of himself and have them race for every Formula 1 team. Join us as we analyze the dynamics between dominant champions and underdog racers, consider ways to level the playing field, and dissect the technological race unfolding between Mercedes and Red Bull. Buckle up as we also explore Elon Musk's ambitious promise: by 2024, Tesla's electric vehicles will boast an unlimited range inspired by the tireless Energizer Bunny. We also delve into predictions regarding the longevity of Tesla's dominance in the electric vehicle market and explore the implications of upcoming automotive technology. We'll make a pit stop to discuss Nissan's Nismo Z, which is making a comeback after a relatively unnoticed initial release. We'll engage in a debate about whether the car's lackluster sales were truly due to dealer mark-ups or if other factors were at play. The episode takes a deeper dive with an illuminating interview featuring Tony Driven, where he shares insights about his current vehicle collection, racing aspirations, and his journey into the realms of podcasting and media. Adding to the excitement, Tony takes on the ultimate anime challenge titled 'Are You Weeb Enough?' As he attempts to distinguish between real and fictional anime names, we're in for a thrilling ride. With Tony's automotive expertise and a game that will test even the most devoted anime enthusiasts, this episode promises to be one you won't want to miss!

Karla Pestotnik | #270 - The Inauguration, New Under the Hood, and a Head-to-Head Car-Off!

Karla Pestotnik, our S2000 guru and race car driver, joins us for the inauguration of the new ninetyoneoctane! Formula 1's decision to charge $1500 for viewing holes on the Las Vegas Strip raises eyebrows, with doubts lingering about their sellability. The ongoing debates about Max Verstappen's Formula 1 dominance continue, while a noteworthy trend emerges as mothers nationwide refuse to cover leases for their adult children engaged in risky takeovers, sparking discussions about the consequences of such activities. In the realm of the extraterrestrial, the government's warnings about UFOs equipped with advanced technology evoke humor, reflecting on "Fast & Furious" movies and potential alien interests. Amidst these stories, Whistlin' Diesel's fiery spectacle of burning a Ferrari F8 to fuel his Ferrari F40 dream captivates attention. Finally, we end on a head-to-head competition to decide who's is the better expert in their field!

#269 - Out with the Old and In With the New. Only Those Who Listen Will Know!

It's time for a new chapter of ninetyoneoctane and one I've always dreamt of. Please join me on this Journey but if you don't, no hard feelings. For those who stick around, let's have some fun!

#268 - Honda Drops the NSX for the Civic Type R, the Nissan Z is a Failure, and Bending the Rules is Back with One of the Biggest Scams in Racing

On Under the Hood, Honda is gearing up for the Super GT series with its Civic Type R-GT, aiming to deliver "ultimate pure sports performance." The race car, developed from the road-legal Civic Type-R, is set to debut in the 2024 season, with shakedown tests scheduled for July 25 and 26. Meanwhile, Zenvo has revealed its extreme hypercar, the Aurora V12, boasting a 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine and two variants, Tur for road focus and Agil for high-downforce racing. However, accidents also make headlines, as a white Ferrari F8 Tributo crashed in Houston during a Cars & Coffee event, and a cargo ship carrying 3,000 cars, including Mercedes-Benz vehicles, caught fire off the Dutch coast. In the market, Nissan faces challenges with the 400z, selling less than 1000 units since its launch, while manual transmissions become scarcer, with only 20 models offering them in 2023. Mazda, on the other hand, decides not to participate in the horsepower war with Toyota and Subaru, focusing on the MX-5's balance and responsiveness. Additionally, Tesla faces scrutiny as it was discovered to have suppressed driving range complaints with a "Diversion Team" manipulating range estimates.
On Bending the Rules, Scott Tucker, a race car driver and founder of Level 5 Racing, built a financial empire in payday loans, disregarding regulations and charging exorbitant interest rates of 400% to 700%. Tucker used the wealth he amassed from his payday lending business to fund his racing program for years. Despite his success on the track, Tucker's shady financial practices caught up with him. In 2017, he was convicted of 14 criminal counts related to his $2 billion payday lending company and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a $1.3 billion penalty to the Federal Trade Commission for his deceptive business practices. Despite his conviction, Tucker doesn't fully take responsibility and claims to be misunderstood. Ironically, he was featured on Netflix's show "Dirty Money," shedding light on his bending of the rules and unethical behavior both on and off the track.

#267 - The Most Dangerous Cars, Nissan’s Horrible Skyline View, and the Street Judge is Back to Discuss M Cars with Extra Numbers!

On Under the Hood, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) identifies American muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang, as among the most dangerous vehicles on the road due to their high horsepower and aggressive driving image. The IIHS reveals that several variants of muscle cars have the highest driver death rates for the 2020 model year. Conversely, minivans, SUVs, and luxury vehicles have lower driver death rates. In the second segment, the American Automobile Association (AAA) conducts a study on the impact of changes in posted speed limits on traffic safety. The study finds that lowering speed limits results in more speeding tickets, while raising speed limits leads to fewer violations. However, there is no conclusive evidence linking speed limit changes to crash frequency. The AAA study challenges assumptions about speed limits and road safety, raising questions about their enforcement motivations. Ford reduces prices for its electric F-150 Lightning, aiming to boost production and lower battery mineral costs. Subaru teases a "sharper and more focused" BRZ model. Additionally, news on the tragic incident at an SCCA Pro Solo autocross event, GM pickup battery drain issues, Tesla's plan to license Full Self-Driving system, and Nissan's potential transformation of the Skyline into an electric SUV is covered.
The Street Judge delves into the debate on whether M Performance models should be considered true M cars and explores the differences between M Division and M Performance models, their engineering, branding, and implications for the automotive industry.

#266 - The Honey Badger is Back, the Fastest Atom Since Oppenheimer, and The DRO Report is Back with Some BMWs!

Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and GM are taking action against car flippers, with Rolls-Royce's CEO stating that flippers will be blacklisted. Red Bull's announcement of Daniel Ricciardo's return puts pressure on Sergio Perez. Caterham unveils the Project V concept, an electric sports coupé with a 2+1 seating layout and a range of 249 miles. Ford faces an EV inventory problem and struggles to meet demand for Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. The UAW plans negotiations with Detroit automakers and considers strikes. Ariel reveals the Atom 4R with a revised Honda Civic Type R engine and improved performance. Hyundai introduces the Ioniq 5 N Drift Spec with combustion-like sound effects. VW's CEO warns of challenges and calls for cost-saving measures amid EV investments. Toyota offers the "86 Refresh Service" for owners of 2012-2016 Toyota 86 models, providing various refresh courses at a total cost of ¥631,400 or $4,537.
On the DRO Report, we decide whether to demolition derby, rent, or own the G87 BMW M2, G80 BMW M3, and A90 Toyota Supra.

#265 - A Dodge Demon is Worth $700K, Tupac is Having a Hard Time Selling His Car, and I’m Back from Another Bimmer Challenge!

In recent car news, the first 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson for a charitable cause, raising $700,000. Actress Nicole Kidman acted as the auctioneer, and the winning bidder generously donated the car back to Barrett-Jackson for another auction. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is a powerful vehicle with 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb.-ft. of torque. In another incident, an electric SUV in China, part of Geely's ride-hailing service, had its battery pack fall off while driving on a busy highway, raising concerns about the safety of EVs using swappable battery technology. The 2024 Ford Mustang configurator is now live, offering customization options for the EcoBoost, GT, and Dark Horse models with various trims and powertrain choices. Koenigsegg has unveiled the production version of the Gemera, offering customers the option to choose between a V8 engine hybrid or an Inline 3 engine. Alef Automotive has received FAA certification for its flying car prototype, known as the "Model A," which can both fly and travel on public roads. The Vermont DMV has closed a loophole that allowed out-of-state individuals to register cars in Vermont, aiming to prevent fraud and reckless activity. Lastly, the Ford Fiesta, the UK's best-selling car, will end its production after nearly 50 years, with the final model being manufactured in Cologne, Germany.
 
And we end on Round 7 of Bimmer Challenge at Streets of Willow which resulted in a little explosive drama!

#264 - Subaru Says It’s Not Their Fault, Fed Ex is a Shady Used Car Dealer, and Armless Man Keeps Car Culture Going!

Subaru addresses oil issues in the 2021 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, defending the design integrity of the FA24 engine for road use. Meanwhile, a Philadelphia towing company, TDI Towing, faces charges in a multi-million dollar catalytic converter theft ring. On a historical note, Thomas Edison's promotion of electric cars in the early 1900s is highlighted, as well as Lordstown Motors Corp.'s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Looking ahead, Alpine, Renault's sports car sub-brand, plans to expand to the United States and Asia by 2027, introducing a comprehensive range of electric sports cars. In a legal development, FedEx is accused of participating in a major odometer fraud scheme, while vehicle data collection and privacy concerns are brought to attention by Privacy4Cars. Lastly, Geraldo Pereira, an armless man from Brazil, gains recognition for his remarkable ability to build toy cars with his feet, serving as an inspiration to car enthusiasts and encouraging children to engage with car culture.