Nissan is Back! New Skyline, Xterra and Juke! GT3 Convertible Is Here! THIS CAR POD! EP107
Doug DeMuro · 2026-04-17
💡 Quick Take
1. The new Porsche 911 GT3 slash C (Sport Cabriolet) is here, manual-only, and a big deal for convertible GT3 fans.
2. Nissan is bringing back the Skyline, likely as the Infiniti Q50 in the US, with a manual transmission option.
3. Nissan is also reviving the Xterra with V6 and V6 hybrid powertrains.
4. The Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is back with a new 6.7L V8 engine, offering enhanced performance.
5. Rolls-Royce is launching the limited-production, all-electric, two-seater Nightingale, based on the Spectre platform.
6. Chrysler is teasing an off-road version of the Pacifica minivan.
7. Lucid has appointed a new CEO, Sylvio Napoli, from the elevator industry, to drive growth and profitability.
8. Mercedes-Benz coupes, like the S65 and AMG GT, are surprisingly holding their value well, bucking the trend of steep depreciation.
9. The Lotus Emira is holding its value exceptionally well, despite the company's financial challenges.
10. Hyundai Equus sedans can have surprisingly high maintenance costs, especially for suspension repairs, potentially exceeding the car's used value.
11. The original Fast and Furious movie, if made today, would feature modern equivalents like a four-cylinder Supra and an electric Dodge Charger.
12. The Jaguar XJS and Porsche 928 are cited as examples of maintenance-heavy cars that don't offer commensurate enjoyment.
13. Fisker Oceans are finding a niche as rental vehicles for ride-share drivers, proving surprisingly durable in that application.
14. Tesla is considered the least luxurious luxury brand due to its widespread availability and sometimes questionable build quality.
15. Fleet sales are often disregarded in market analysis because they don't reflect true consumer demand or profitability.
16. A vintage BMW gauge clock, modeled after a Z8 instrument cluster, was gifted to the podcast.
17. Various die-cast car models were gifted to the hosts, with Italian cars specifically designated for Filippo.
📊 Detailed Explanation
1. The new Porsche 911 GT3 slash C (Sport Cabriolet) is here, manual-only, and a big deal for convertible GT3 fans. This is the first time Porsche has offered a convertible GT3 in a non-limited production run. The "SC" stands for Sport Cabriolet, and it shares the same 4.0L, 500 hp engine as the GT3 coupe. The manual-only transmission is a deliberate choice for homologation purposes, ensuring the car weighs the same as the GT3 Touring. This appeals to enthusiasts who wanted a track-ready convertible experience, especially those who were disappointed by the PDK-only Spyder RS.
2. Nissan is bringing back the Skyline, likely as the Infiniti Q50 in the US, with a manual transmission option. This marks a significant comeback for Nissan, which was perceived as struggling. The Skyline has historically been sold in the US as the Infiniti G-series (G35, G37) and later the Q50. The potential for a manual transmission is a huge win for enthusiasts, echoing the success Porsche has had with manual offerings. This move suggests Nissan is listening to enthusiast demand and aiming to recapture credibility.
3. Nissan is also reviving the Xterra with V6 and V6 hybrid powertrains. This is a welcome return for the rugged SUV, which was a mistake to discontinue. The Xterra will feature V6 and V6 hybrid options, notably no four-cylinder, directly challenging competitors like Toyota. It will be built on the next-generation Frontier architecture, shared with Mitsubishi, and is expected in the latter half of 2028. This move, along with the Skyline and potential GTR revival, signals a strong resurgence for Nissan.
4. The Chevy Corvette Grand Sport is back with a new 6.7L V8 engine, offering enhanced performance. The Grand Sport will feature the new LS6 V8 engine, producing 535 horsepower (up from the current Stingray's 495 hp). This engine will also be standard on the base Stingray. The C8 Corvette platform continues to impress, with the base model already achieving 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. The Grand Sport's pricing starts at $88,495, making it a compelling option with its Z06-like widebody and performance upgrades.
5. Rolls-Royce is launching the limited-production, all-electric, two-seater Nightingale, based on the Spectre platform. This is the first of Rolls-Royce's "coach-built" collection, with 100 units planned, 30 for the US. It's an 18.9-foot long, electric vehicle, showcasing Rolls-Royce's ability to create unique bodies on existing EV platforms. The design integrates a large grille effectively, and the interior features a unique lighting treatment inspired by a nightingale's song. It's priced over $1 million, highlighting the exclusivity and bespoke nature of these creations.
6. Chrysler is teasing an off-road version of the Pacifica minivan. This concept taps into the desire for vehicles that can carry many people and also handle off-road adventures. While it's a Stellantis product, the hope is that the off-road equipment could potentially be adapted to more reliable platforms. The discussion highlights a trend of automakers teasing high-performance or off-road minivans but not fully committing to production, unlike the Sienna Woodland Edition.
7. Lucid has appointed a new CEO, Sylvio Napoli, from the elevator industry, to drive growth and profitability. Napoli's background in modernizing and growing the Schindler Group is seen as a positive sign for Lucid, which needs strong operational leadership. While he lacks direct automotive experience, his track record in manufacturing, operational discipline, and capital allocation is what Lucid is banking on to turn its fortunes around, especially with continued Saudi investment.
8. Mercedes-Benz coupes, like the S65 and AMG GT, are surprisingly holding their value well, bucking the trend of steep depreciation. Traditionally, large Mercedes coupes depreciated heavily. However, models like the S65 are now selling for significant sums ($76,000 for a 12-year-old example), and AMG GTs are holding strong around $50,000-$70,000 even with higher mileage. This suggests a renewed appreciation for these V8 and V12 powered luxury coupes, possibly driven by their timeless styling and the increasing rarity of such vehicles.
9. The Lotus Emira is holding its value exceptionally well, despite the company's financial challenges. The Emira, even as a two-and-a-half-year-old car, is seeing first editions sell for around $92,000, close to their original price. This resilience is attributed to its appeal as a small, manual-transmission coupe, with few direct competitors. The ongoing supply of Toyota V6 engines to another manufacturer (Bolwell Nagari) helps keep the Emira in production, contributing to its stable value.
10. Hyundai Equus sedans can have surprisingly high maintenance costs, especially for suspension repairs, potentially exceeding the car's used value. A service for suspension components on an Equus totaled over $10,000, far exceeding the car's $18,000 sale price. This highlights the adage that while an expensive car may become cheap to buy, repairs can remain costly, especially for complex systems like the Equus's air suspension.
11. The original Fast and Furious movie, if made today, would feature modern equivalents like a four-cylinder Supra and an electric Dodge Charger. The discussion posits that the iconic hero cars would be updated: the Supra would be a modern, possibly four-cylinder version, and the Charger would be an electric model. Villain cars might include modern performance sedans like the M2 or M4, while classic equivalents for the original movie's "classic" cars could be a Lexus SC400 or an SN95 Cobra.
12. The Jaguar XJS and Porsche 928 are cited as examples of maintenance-heavy cars that don't offer commensurate enjoyment. These cars are known for their complex engineering and potential for costly repairs. The XJS, with its V12 engine, is difficult to own and doesn't drive particularly well, leading to a lack of enjoyment despite its maintenance burden. Similarly, early 928s require significant attention and specialized knowledge, making them less rewarding for the average owner.
13. Fisker Oceans are finding a niche as rental vehicles for ride-share drivers, proving surprisingly durable in that application. While the Fisker Ocean has faced challenges, it's being leased to ride-share companies, with drivers paying a weekly fee. These vehicles are reportedly working well as Uber Black cars, with customers liking them and the company recouping costs. Despite range issues in cold weather, their use in urban environments like Manhattan suggests they can be a viable option for fleet use.
14. Tesla is considered the least luxurious luxury car brand due to its widespread availability and sometimes questionable build quality. While Tesla is perceived as futuristic and has a premium price point, its ubiquity and occasional issues with NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and build quality lead many to question its true luxury status. Compared to traditional luxury brands, Tesla's experience is seen as less refined and more akin to a mass-market vehicle.
15. Fleet sales are often disregarded in market analysis because they don't reflect true consumer demand or profitability. Automakers often use fleet sales to meet production quotas and move inventory, but these sales typically yield little profit. Cars sold to rental companies, for example, don't indicate genuine consumer desire for that model. Focusing on consumer-driven sales provides a more accurate picture of a car's popularity and a manufacturer's product competitiveness.
16. A vintage BMW gauge clock, modeled after a Z8 instrument cluster, was gifted to the podcast. This unique item, made of metal and designed to resemble a BMW gauge, was a thoughtful gift from a listener, highlighting the appreciation for automotive memorabilia.
17. Various die-cast car models were gifted to the hosts, with Italian cars specifically designated for Filippo. This gesture of appreciation from a listener demonstrates the community's engagement with the podcast and its hosts, with a particular nod to Filippo's known affinity for Italian cars.
🎯 Expert Opinion
The discussions around the new Porsche 911 GT3 SC and the return of the Nissan Skyline with manual options are incredibly exciting. It signals a strong current of enthusiast demand that manufacturers are finally, and thankfully, leaning into. The GT3 SC, in particular, is a masterclass in catering to a specific, passionate segment. It validates the idea that even in an era of electrification and automation, there's a massive appetite for raw, engaging driving experiences. This isn't just about nostalgia; it's about a fundamental connection to the machine that EVs, for all their technological prowess, haven't yet replicated for everyone.
Nissan's strategic moves with the Skyline (Infiniti Q50) and Xterra are equally noteworthy. After a period of perceived stagnation, these returns, especially with manual transmission options, suggest a significant shift in their product strategy. They're not just chasing sales; they're chasing enthusiast credibility. This is a playbook that Porsche has perfected, and if Nissan can execute with the same dedication to driving dynamics and build quality, they could reignite brand loyalty and attract a new generation of buyers. The Xterra's V6 and hybrid powertrains are a smart jab at competitors, showing they're not afraid to offer robust, desirable options.
The Rolls-Royce Nightingale is a fascinating glimpse into the future of ultra-luxury EVs. It perfectly illustrates how electrification liberates design. By removing the constraints of traditional powertrains, manufacturers can create bespoke bodies on flexible "skateboard" platforms. This "coach-building" approach, which Bentley is also likely to explore, is the logical evolution for brands that thrive on exclusivity and personalization. The Nightingale isn't just a car; it's a statement about the convergence of cutting-edge technology and timeless craftsmanship. Its success will pave the way for more radical, design-led EVs from other luxury marques.
The market report segment on Mercedes-Benz coupes holding their value is a significant trend. This isn't just a blip; it's a re-evaluation of these cars. For decades, large luxury coupes were seen as depreciating assets. Now, as V8s and V12s become rarer and EVs dominate, these well-built, powerful, and stylish machines are being recognized for their inherent qualities. The AMG GT and S65 are becoming modern classics, appealing to collectors who appreciate their performance, design, and the dwindling prospect of such vehicles in the future. This trend will likely continue, especially for well-maintained, low-mileage examples.
The high maintenance costs associated with the Hyundai Equus, as highlighted by the suspension repair bill, serve as a stark reminder of the "expensive to buy, even more expensive to fix" adage. While the Equus offered a compelling luxury sedan experience for its price, buyers need to be acutely aware of the potential long-term ownership costs, especially for complex, high-tech systems. This reinforces the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections and understanding the cost of ownership beyond the initial sticker price, particularly for vehicles with advanced, non-standard components.
The discussion on fleet sales being disregarded is spot on. For enthusiasts and serious market watchers, focusing on consumer demand is paramount. Fleet sales, while contributing to volume numbers, often mask underlying issues of consumer preference and brand desirability. A car that sells in massive numbers to rental fleets might be readily available because consumers aren't actively seeking it out. This distinction is crucial for understanding true market health and a brand's enduring appeal.
Finally, the shift in how brands like Tesla are perceived is telling. While technologically advanced, the lack of traditional luxury cues, widespread availability, and sometimes inconsistent build quality are pushing them out of the "luxury" category for many. This opens the door for brands like Maserati, and even traditional players like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, to further solidify their positions by emphasizing tangible luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity – elements that resonate deeply with buyers seeking more than just a futuristic appliance.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro