The New Mitsubishi Pajero, Maserati's Death Spiral, and Lewis Hamilton's F40! THIS CAR POD! EP127
Doug DeMuro · 2026-09-04
💡 Quick Take
1. Do not buy the outgoing Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Cabriolet at current elevated collector prices if you actually want a reliable convertible SUV.
2. Wait for the potential U.S. hybrid version of the newly revealed Mitsubishi Pajero rather than assuming the current diesel ladder-frame model will make it stateside.
3. Don't buy a current Maserati new, given severe dealership slow-downs and an excessive dealer network size.
4. Wait on the Range Rover EV until real-world demand and luxury EV adoption prove themselves, mirroring the slow start of the G580 with EQ technology.
5. Avoid the new Porsche 911 GT3 "Berg Sport" regional edition for the Alps unless you are willing to pay an inflated premium purely for a special B-pillar badge and Valley Green Metallic paint.
6. Buy a clean BMW E38 7 Series if you want the high-water mark of modern classic executive sedans, and avoid the mechanically disastrous E65 generation entirely.
7. Buy a used Aston Martin DB7 Vantage manual while they remain an incredible bargain under $20,000 for a V12 British grand tourer.
📊 Detailed Explanation
The hosts kick off the show discussing the end of an era with the sale of their long-term Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Cabriolet. Having logged 25,000 miles over seven years, the car is officially leaving the fleet, and because there are only a tiny handful left in North America, replacing it is virtually impossible. While one host feels genuine nostalgia for chasing down an F40 in Newport Beach, another points out that if someone truly wants a convertible SUV experience today without the astronomical collector tax, a Jeep Wrangler makes far more sense.
Moving to major global news, Mitsubishi has revealed its brand-new Pajero built on the Triton pickup truck platform. Featuring body-on-frame ladder chassis construction, diesel power, and seven seats, it launches first in Thailand and other Asian markets. While it fits the rugged off-road trend currently dominating the U.S. market, the speakers agree it is almost certainly not coming to America in diesel form, though a rumored future hybrid variant might have a slim chance down the road.
The conversation turns to Maserati and a shocking industry rumor claiming that a massive portion of their 86 U.S. dealerships failed to sell a single car in July. The speakers note that having 86 dealers for a boutique brand is completely unsustainable—three times what Porsche operates with double the volume. Without consistent new product and with lingering brand stigma, these poor dealerships are struggling, prompting comparisons to Aston Martin's successful high-end exclusivity pushes like the Valhalla.
Porsche continues to dominate enthusiast headlines, first with an upcoming internal-combustion Macan replacement internally dubbed "Octon" (jokingly named after the classic Lego gas station), and second with a baffling new regional edition. The 911 GT3 "Berg Sport" is restricted exclusively to Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland, leaving out countries with massive Porsche cultures like Slovenia. Aside from a lightweight package, a manual transmission, a special B-pillar badge, and Valley Green Metallic paint, the speakers pan it as a cynical, overpriced runout model designed to maximize revenue.
On the used market report, the panel highlights incredible bargains and surging modern classics. An E91 BMW 335is wagon conversion fetched $13,100, pairing an N54 twin-turbo engine with the coveted Touring body style. Meanwhile, NC Mazda Miatas are quietly ticking up in value, with pristine examples commanding upwards of $22,000 to $26,000 as enthusiasts realize how rewarding they are to drive. Finally, the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage manual is highlighted as a staggering bargain, with V12 models having traded under $20,000.
🎯 Automotive Expert Opinion
The automotive landscape discussed in this episode brilliantly highlights the widening chasm between cynical corporate marketing ploys and genuine enthusiast enthusiasm. Porsche's decision to launch region-locked, badge-engineered specials like the Alpine-themed GT3 perfectly encapsulates modern ultra-luxury manufacturer behavior: leveraging minor cosmetic changes and bespoke paint to extract massive margins from collectors while offering zero substantive engineering advancement. Analysts and purists alike should recognize these limited editions for what they are—runout cash grabs that rely on artificial scarcity rather than driving purity.
Conversely, the enduring appeal of analog icons like the BMW E38 7 Series and the Mazda Miata demonstrates that the market ultimately rewards authentic mechanical charm and balanced driving dynamics. While modern luxury cars are weighed down by heavy electrification, overcomplicated driver-assistance systems, and confusing trim hierarchies—such as Jeep's convoluted Wagoneer naming strategy—enthusiasts are aggressively snapping up raw, mechanical driver's cars. The E38 remains the undisputed gold standard of executive sedan styling, easily eclipsing the electronic nightmares of the subsequent E65 era.
The struggles facing storied brands like Maserati underscore a brutal truth in the modern automotive sector: badge prestige alone cannot sustain an oversized dealer network or stagnant product pipelines. When a brand loses its identity and relies on cross-franchising with mainstream domestic dealerships, consumer confidence evaporates. To survive alongside titans like Porsche, failing boutique brands must either commit entirely to halo hyper-sports cars like the MC12 or completely restructure their retail approach to match true luxury expectations.
Ultimately, prospective buyers navigating today's volatile used and new car markets must exercise rigorous discipline. Whether deciding to pass on an inflated regional Porsche special, hunting down an undervalued V12 Aston Martin DB7, or waiting out the unproven demand for luxury electric SUVs like the Range Rover EV, patience pays off. True enthusiasts should focus their capital on well-engineered mechanical drivers' cars that offer genuine engagement rather than paying six-figure premiums for marketing hype and commemorative badges.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro