Hoovie is Here! What is Mercedes Thinking? New Manual BMW M3! Gullwing Update! THIS CAR POD! EP112
Doug DeMuro · 2026-05-22
💡 Quick Take
1. The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is all-electric and boasts 1,153 horsepower.
2. Brabus has unveiled its own unique vehicle, based on an Aston Martin and featuring a twin-turbo V12 engine.
3. BMW is releasing a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive M3 CS that is manual-only and exclusive to the US market.
4. Ferrari is continuing its one-off program with a new V8 non-hybrid convertible based on the F8 Spider, designed to look like an F80.
5. JLR and Stellantis are exploring a potential collaboration for vehicle development and manufacturing, possibly to address tariffs.
6. The VW ID. Buzz is returning for the 2027 model year with a new camper/pop-top bed configuration.
7. The Zinger chassis, designed with AI and resembling human musculature, is a groundbreaking development in automotive engineering.
8. Hooie is auctioning multiple cars on Cars & Bids, including a Breaking Bad Cadillac, a Maybach 62, a Packard, a 997 Porsche, a Lincoln Blackwood, a Lincoln Town Car, and a P38 Range Rover.
9. Car Wizard is moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico, seeking a slower pace and warmer weather, but will continue making videos and running his shop.
10. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is a valuable resource for restoring older Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the Gullwing models, with parts availability being a significant advantage.
11. DC Motorworks is presented as a capable alternative to the Classic Center, particularly for custom work like manual conversions and engine rebuilding.
12. Hooie is considering a return to a dealership model and a "hooptie" hunting venture, inspired by his past success and the need to offset costs.
13. The discussion touches on the challenges of car ownership, including maintenance, depreciation, and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles.
14. The podcast highlights the evolving landscape of automotive content creation, with a shift towards YouTube and the increasing involvement of major brands.
15. The conversation emphasizes the importance of genuine passion and expertise in the automotive community, as seen in the discussions about specific car models and brands.
📊 Detailed Explanation
1. The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is all-electric and boasts 1,153 horsepower. This is a significant shift for AMG, a brand historically known for its powerful V8 engines. The move to an all-electric powertrain with such high horsepower indicates Mercedes-Benz's commitment to electrification in the performance segment. While the front profile is deemed "fine" and "Mercedes-like," the light bar and the side profile are compared to Audi RS models, suggesting a familiar design language in the EV space. The rear design with circular lights is noted as "weird." The sheer power output, while impressive, raises questions about the "warp barrier" of performance and what comes next in the EV evolution.
2. Brabus has unveiled its own unique vehicle, based on an Aston Martin and featuring a twin-turbo V12 engine. This is a departure from Brabus's usual tuning of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The Brabus "1 of 77" is a striking, long-tail coupe that uses an Aston Martin platform and its V12 engine. The design is described as "striking" and "very cool," with a restraint that impresses the hosts, contrasting with Brabus's typically "garish" styling. The interior features quilted leather and carbon fiber. The limited production run of 77 units and the potential lack of US availability add to its exclusivity.
3. BMW is releasing a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive M3 CS that is manual-only and exclusive to the US market. This is a big deal for enthusiasts, as previous CS (Competition Sport) models were automatic. The "Hand Shelter" (manual shift) designation highlights its focus on driver engagement. Being rear-wheel-drive and 75 pounds lighter further emphasizes its track-oriented nature. The car is seen as a potential collector's item, holding its value well, especially in a special color. It's also viewed as a fitting "goodbye to this generation of M3." The $108,000 price tag is noted, and it's compared favorably to the Cadillac Blackwing, with both being considered among the best cars on sale.
4. Ferrari is continuing its one-off program with a new V8 non-hybrid convertible based on the F8 Spider, designed to look like an F80. This bespoke creation for a wealthy customer is significant because it's a V8 and non-hybrid, a rarity in Ferrari's current lineup which is heavily leaning towards hybrids. It's seen as a "swan song of non-hybrid V8 Ferrari" and is expected to age gracefully. The car's beauty and the fact that Ferrari is willing to build such unique vehicles for clients with sufficient means are highlighted. The estimated price of $10-15 million underscores the exclusivity of these one-off commissions.
5. JLR and Stellantis are exploring a potential collaboration for vehicle development and manufacturing, possibly to address tariffs. This non-binding memorandum of understanding suggests a strategic alliance where Land Rover might leverage Stellantis's US manufacturing presence to avoid import tariffs. The hosts express skepticism, comparing it to past partnerships that didn't yield great results and questioning how two brands with questionable reliability can collaborate effectively. The potential for shared platforms or components, like the four-cylinder engines used in Wranglers, is a point of concern.
6. The VW ID. Buzz is returning for the 2027 model year with a new camper/pop-top bed configuration. After a sales slump and a model year off, VW is attempting to boost the ID. Buzz's appeal by adding a camper-style option. This is seen as a move to capture the "Eurovan" market and appeal to a more niche audience. Despite its coolness factor, the ID. Buzz's high price, impracticality, and limited range (especially in winter) are cited as reasons for its poor sales. The hosts suggest that a price point around $38,000 would make it a more compelling purchase.
7. The Zinger chassis, designed with AI and resembling human musculature, is a groundbreaking development in automotive engineering. This innovative chassis design, created using AI, mimics the structure of human musculature rather than traditional geometric shapes. It's described as "the coolest thing I've ever seen" and a potential end to "right angles" in car design. The logarithmic optimization for strength and the 3D printing aspect are highlighted as revolutionary. Ryan Lopez's experience driving a Zinger is eagerly anticipated.
8. Hooie is auctioning multiple cars on Cars & Bids, including a Breaking Bad Cadillac, a Maybach 62, a Packard, a 997 Porsche, a Lincoln Blackwood, a Lincoln Town Car, and a P38 Range Rover. This is a significant event for Cars & Bids, with Hooie listing several notable vehicles. The Breaking Bad Cadillac is a pop culture icon, the Maybach 62 offers ultra-luxury, the Packard has historical significance (despite electrical issues), the 997 Porsche is a project car with known problems, the Lincoln Blackwood and Town Car represent American automotive history, and the P38 Range Rover is a controversial but iconic off-roader. The variety and condition of these cars provide a wide range of opportunities for buyers.
9. Car Wizard is moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico, seeking a slower pace and warmer weather, but will continue making videos and running his shop. This move marks a significant life change for Car Wizard, who is tired of the Kansas winters and seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. He plans to hire a mechanic in Las Cruces to assist with the shop and continue producing content. The hosts express sadness at his departure but understand his desire for a change. The move also prompts speculation about the future of the podcast's content and the hosts' own living situations.
10. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is a valuable resource for restoring older Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the Gullwing models, with parts availability being a significant advantage. Unlike some other manufacturers who struggle with parts for older models, Mercedes-Benz maintains a robust Classic Center that can repair virtually anything. This is particularly true for iconic models like the Gullwing, where numerous examples are undergoing restoration. The availability of parts directly from Mercedes-Benz is a major benefit for owners and independent shops alike, setting them apart from competitors.
11. DC Motorworks is presented as a capable alternative to the Classic Center, particularly for custom work like manual conversions and engine rebuilding. While the Classic Center excels at restoration, DC Motorworks is highlighted for its willingness to undertake more unconventional projects, such as installing manual transmissions in E55 wagons. They are also capable of engine rebuilding and have a close relationship with skilled machinists. This flexibility and willingness to tackle unique requests make them a valuable option for owners seeking specialized work.
12. Hooie is considering a return to a dealership model and a "hooptie" hunting venture, inspired by his past success and the need to offset costs. With Car Wizard's departure, Hooie is contemplating filling a void by potentially reopening a dealership and actively seeking out affordable, interesting used cars ("hoopties"). This would allow him to continue his passion for finding and selling unique vehicles, while also potentially creating content and generating revenue. The idea of hunting for cars at auctions and bringing them back to life is a core part of his automotive identity.
13. The discussion touches on the challenges of car ownership, including maintenance, depreciation, and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. From the rear main seal leaks on AMG GTs to the cylinder scoring on Porsches and the electrical issues on older cars, the transcript is replete with examples of the ongoing costs and headaches associated with owning and maintaining vehicles, especially performance or older models. The rapid depreciation of luxury EVs is also a recurring theme.
14. The podcast highlights the evolving landscape of automotive content creation, with a shift towards YouTube and the increasing involvement of major brands. The hosts discuss how YouTube has become the dominant platform for car content, surpassing traditional television. The influx of major brands advertising on these channels signifies the mainstream acceptance and reach of online automotive influencers. This also means a higher bar for production quality and engaging content to stand out.
15. The conversation emphasizes the importance of genuine passion and expertise in the automotive community, as seen in the discussions about specific car models and brands. Despite the technical discussions and the business aspects of car collecting and content creation, the underlying thread is a shared love for automobiles. The detailed knowledge about specific models, their quirks, and their history demonstrates a deep appreciation for the automotive world and the experiences these machines provide.
🎯 Expert Opinion
This episode offers a fascinating snapshot of the current automotive enthusiast landscape, blending news, personal anecdotes, and a peek into the business of car content. As an expert, I see several key trends and implications emerging:
The EV Transition is Accelerating, But ICE Enthusiasts Aren't Going Anywhere (Yet): The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV is a prime example of manufacturers pushing performance EVs. However, the excitement around the manual M3 CS and the Brabus V12 Aston Martin shows there's still a massive appetite for internal combustion and driver-focused machines. The market is bifurcating: high-performance EVs are becoming the new benchmark for raw power, but the soul and engagement of traditional cars are still highly valued, commanding premium prices and collector interest. The "warp barrier" comment is apt; we're seeing power levels that defy conventional understanding, but the *experience* of driving remains paramount for many.
The Rise of the "Niche" Manufacturer and the Power of Bespoke: Brabus creating its own car and Ferrari's continued success with one-offs highlight a growing trend. As mass production becomes more homogenized (especially with EVs), there's a premium on exclusivity and unique craftsmanship. These companies are catering to a clientele that wants something truly special, often at astronomical price points. This also speaks to the enduring appeal of established luxury brands like Aston Martin and Ferrari, who can leverage their heritage to create halo products that transcend typical market trends.
The "Good Old Days" Mentality is Fueling Collector Markets: The M3 CS, the non-hybrid Ferrari, and even the discussion around older Porsches and BMWs being desirable illustrate a strong nostalgia and appreciation for analog driving experiences. The fact that a manual-only M3 CS is being produced specifically for the US market is a direct response to enthusiast demand. These cars aren't just transportation; they're investments in automotive history and driving pleasure. The "future Ryan Lopez" comment about appreciating cars from different eras is spot on – the collector market is always looking for the next "modern classic."
The Business of Car Content is Maturing, But Authenticity is Key: The discussion about YouTube sponsorships and brand deals is crucial. It's no longer just about views; it's about building sustainable businesses. The fact that major brands are now advertising on these channels shows the legitimacy of automotive influencers. However, the hosts' emphasis on genuine product use (Tire Rack, Delete Me) is what builds trust. The "substandard BS" products of the past are a good reminder that authenticity is the currency. The shift from aiming for TV shows to embracing YouTube as the primary platform is a seismic change in media.
The "Hooptie" Market is Alive and Well, and a Source of Content Gold: Hooie's continued love for affordable, quirky cars, and his potential return to a dealership model, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the "everyman" car. These aren't just cheap cars; they're often characterful, historically significant in their own way, and provide endless content opportunities. The challenges of maintaining these vehicles ( Packard electrical, 997 Porsche engine issues) are part of the narrative, making them relatable and entertaining. The idea of a "hooptie hunting" venture is smart, tapping into a passionate sub-segment of the car community.
The Importance of Legacy and Support Systems for Classic Cars: The praise for Mercedes-Benz's Classic Center and the discussion around DC Motorworks highlight a critical aspect of classic car ownership: parts availability and specialized knowledge. Manufacturers that actively support their older models create a much healthier and more sustainable ecosystem for enthusiasts. The contrast with brands that offer little support for their legacy vehicles is stark. This also underscores the value of independent specialists who can perform custom work and keep these machines on the road.
The "Car Wizard" Phenomenon and the Human Element of Car Content: Car Wizard's move to Las Cruces represents the personal journeys of these creators. His desire for a slower pace and warmer weather is relatable. His business model, blending content creation with hands-on repair, is a powerful combination. The challenges he faces with unsolicited visits and the entitlement some viewers feel are also important insights into the creator-audience relationship. This highlights that while cars are the subject, the personalities and their stories are what truly connect with viewers.
The Evolving Definition of "Desirable" and "Valuable": The conversation about the VW ID. Buzz's sales failure despite its coolness, or the Maybach 62's depreciation, shows that market value isn't always tied to perceived coolness. Conversely, the discussion around the M3 CS's potential future value or the appreciation of well-maintained older cars demonstrates that passion and rarity can drive long-term appreciation. The market is complex, influenced by nostalgia, performance, exclusivity, and increasingly, the cultural significance of a vehicle.
The "Car Guy" Lifestyle is a Full-Time Commitment: The discussion about finding car-loving partners, the challenges of living in expensive areas like San Diego versus more affordable places like Kansas, and the constant need to manage finances and projects all point to the demanding nature of being deeply involved in the car world. It's not just a hobby; for many, it's a lifestyle that impacts personal relationships, career choices, and financial planning.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro