THE CAR MARKET IS COOLING? ARE MANUAL SWAPS A GOOD IDEA? PORSCHE DITCHES GASOLINE! THIS CAR POD! #17

EV Channels Review

This episode of 'This Car Pod' delves into significant shifts in the automotive landscape, most notably Porsche's decision to transition the 718 Cayman and Boxster to an all-electric platform, marking a definitive end for their internal combustion engines. The hosts express a mix of sadness for the loss of a true sports car experience, particularly the manual transmission variants, and a pragmatic acceptance of this inevitable change. They ponder the future value of current combustion models like the GT4 RS and Spider RS, contrasting them with the depreciating value of high-horsepower EVs like the Model S Plaid. The discussion also touches on Ford's revival of the Capri nameplate for an electric crossover in Europe, built on a Volkswagen platform, and the controversial use of iconic names on new EV models. Additionally, the podcast covers Ian Callum's unique, modernized Ferrari F355, which, despite performance enhancements and carbon fiber bodywork, is criticized for altering the original design. The Fisker Ocean recall is highlighted as a significant disaster for owners, and the Cadillac Escalade EV is panned for its lack of presence compared to its gasoline counterpart. Sam shares an overwhelmingly positive experience with his Rivian R1T, praising its comfort, technology, and daily usability, while Kenan details ongoing, costly repairs to his E39 M5, reinforcing its reputation for high maintenance. The market report indicates a cooling car market with declining values for many desirable models, though enthusiast cars like the Boxster Spider and Z8 are showing resilience, albeit with some softening.