The Carmudgeon Show

The "Highland" Tesla Model 3 is a big step forward for the world's best transportation device. The new Performance (not Plaid!) model approaches sport-sedan perfection === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === The facelifted '24 Model 3 Performance features fully revised suspension, with not a single shared component with the regular Model 3 Long Range. It features real-time adaptive shocks, for the first time on a 3, that adjust continually (in a combined compression/rebound adjustment.) The New M3P's interior features real (excellent) sport seats, a carbon-fiber "blade" on the dashboard, and an adjustable track mode that allows full control of handling balance.  The exterior gets unique front fascia with an air dam, a rear spoiler and diffuser, and forged, staggered wheels. Weight is the same as the outgoing car, at 4055 lb. Range should increase 2-3% in the real world versus the previous car. Pricing will be less than $60,000.  Model 3 Performance's output is 510 hp and 547 lb-ft, and it comes with additional rear bias thanks to the more powerful 4th-generation rear motor. The last car would put 60 to 70% power to the rear, the new one is capable of sending 70 to 85% power to the rear at most times. The inverter can now handle 950 amps, up from the previous 830A, and the battery is now the limiting factor in output. The new Performance logo looks similar to the Plaid badge, but isn't — that will be held for 3-motor variants with carbon-sleeve-wrapped rotors. But the specs aren't what's important here — enjoy the full review from Jason Cammisa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's finally a hot-hatch for enthusiasts that runs on electricity — and it's a $67,500 Hyundai! === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === This is the Embargoed first review of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N by Jason Cammisa! The Ioniq 5 N isn't just an EV — it has a mode called N e-Shift that emulates an internal combustion engine and 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.... and it's so good, it could genuinely fool an enthusiast into thinking it's real. Should this be happening? Is simulated fun as good as real fun?  Well, on track, the Ioniq 5 N is actual fun — with a well-behaved, well-balanced chassis set up for tail-out antics. Learn all about it in this full review from Jason Cammisa. === Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've noticed that headlights are blinding, you should know it's because automakers are cheating on lighting standards, just as they've cheated about emissions and safety. Jason calls it Lighting-Gate! === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === The dim-witted U.S. Government has blocked automakers from installing Adaptive Matrix Lights, which are a quantum step forward in lighting technology, because it worries about them blinding oncoming traffic.  Which they're specifically designed to avoid. Meanwhile, the automakers have been blatantly cheating on lighting standards by installing "dark pixels" so that their cars pass the ill-written letter of the law but entirely not the spirit. And the government hasn't noticed — they've probably been blinded by those headlights.  And worse, at the same time, they've allowed cars to be driven without a single light on their exterior — but a fully illuminated, dimmed instrument panel.  And ALSO, allows red turn signals, when amber turn signals have been demonstrated to reduce rear-end collisions by a FOURTH. We have an epidemic of bad automotive lighting in America, and the automakers need to be held accountable.  === Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back by popular demand, Jason and Derek dive into reviews of random cars from their past. And Jason hits gold. === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === Jason and Derek stumbled across what must be Jason's harshest car review ever — his first drive of the R35 Nissan GT-R. While he recognizes that he doesn't actually hate it that much, it's a flashback to our first glimpse into modern, turbocharged, dual-clutch, all-wheel-drive "Sports Cars." Jason hated it. But he didn't hate everything — as always, Derek and Jason found plenty of fun cars to review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GTI's manual is dead — despite half of U.S.-spec GTIs being sold with a clutch pedal. What on earth is going on? === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === In this episode of the Carmdudgeon show, we discuss every manual-transmission car on sale in the U.S., and what percentage of buyers opt for it. This includes: Acura Integra Type S Acura Integra  BMW M2 BMW M3 BMW M4 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Chevrolet Camaro Dodge Challenger Ford Mustang Ford Bronco Honda Civic Manual Honda Civic Si Honda Civic Type R Hyundai Elantra N Hyundai Veloster N Jeep Wrangler Jeep Gladiator Kia Forte Mazda Miata ND2 Mazda3 Manual Mini Cooper Mini Cooper S Mini Cooper John Cooper Works JCW Nissan Versa Nissan Z Manual Porsche 718 Porsche 911 911 GT3  Cayman GT4 Boxeter Spyder Subaru WRX Subaru BRZ Subaru Impreza Crosstrek Toyota GR 86 Toyota GR Supra Toyota Tacoma Volkswagen Golf R Volkswagen Jetta GLI Volkswagen Golf GTI Volkswagen Jetta S === The Carmudgeon Show is Part of the Hagerty Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lamborghini has turned out to be everything Ferruccio didn't want it to be — and thank heavens. What started out as the Ultimate Grudge Match against Enzo Ferrari created some of the most outrageous cars ever made. === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === This episode covers the history of Lamborghini — from Ferruccio's infamous clash with Enzo Ferrari over a slipping clutch, through the Miura, Coutach, LM002, Diablo, Murciélago, Aventador — and the lesser-known models like the Urraco and the front-engined Islero, Jarama, Espada, et al.  Oh, and the Lamborghini Urus.  And of course, we discuss the now-late, great designer, Marcello Gandini — who designed so many of Lamborghini's most beautiful cars. Learn everything about the history of the world's most outrageous car company — here. With laughs, smiles, and too much caffeine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The boys are back from The Amelia, and now you get the recap on all that was amazing. === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === The Amelia is one of the most prestigious Concours in America, but it's evolving more quickly than most — there was a whole 1990s JDM supercar section!  And the same weekend, a Radwood, a Cars & Caffeine, a Porsche show, and The Hangar.  Loads of great cars, even for Carmudgeons who aren't aged! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Carmudgeon Show, presented by Vyper Chairs, was recorded live on location at The Amelia in lovely, rainy Florida! https://www.vyperindustrial.com/collections/vyper-chairs The Carmudgeons have just arrived in Florida, and are greeted by a stunning Chrysler Halcyon concept car. The boys interview special guests Ralph Gilles, lead designer, and Christine Feuell, Chrysler Brand CEO. Of course, there's a discussion of vintage Mercedes-Benzes, but in a surprise turn, the Carmudgeons talk more about vintage racing Audis — namely the Audi 200 that competed in IMSA. And, of course, Radwood Amelia Island! === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not always easy being nice when you're paid to be honest. This week, the Carmudgeons discuss how to give a bad review without upsetting everyone. === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === John Phillips: "What Not To Write." https://www.caranddriver.com/features/columns/a15127687/john-phillips-a-whole-bunch-of-what-not-to-write-column/ Derek's job is to facilitate sales of cars between collectors, which often requires him to be honest to both buyer and seller. That's especially difficult when a car isn't great. Jason's job is to give unbiased, fact-based reviews of cars. It's easy when things are good, but word choice and observations require extra scrutiny when insults are flying. Perhaps no one did harsh reviews better than Automobile Magazine's Robert Cumberford or Car and Driver's John Phillips. And so Jason recounts Robert's hilarious takedown of the famously opulent Bugatti EB110 reveal from 1991. And he found a Car and Driver column from Mr. Phillips where he shared some of his most hilarious burns. But the best part of the episode? Listening to Derek giggle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hate to say it, but we all form opinions about the drivers of car brands. In this episode, the Carmudgeons finish their discussion of how they perceive drivers of different cars.  === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === Your car is an avatar, and you're being judged on it. Jason and Derek laugh their way through their own offensiveness, giving honest reactions to how they consider drivers of different brands of cars. This is episode #2, going reverse-alphabetically through the list of manufacturers from Volvo to Kia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we take a close look at British Leyland through the eyes of the Rover 3500 (SD1)starts a discussion about the current state of — and scary future of — Stellantis. === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === British Leyland was the combined entity of many, many English car brands: Austin, Land Rover, Leyland, MG, Riley, Wolseley, Vanden Plas, Princess, Jaguar, Daimler, Mini, Innocenti, Morris, Rover, Triumph, and several others. This sounds remarkably similar to today's Stellantis: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall. The curmudgeonly Carmudgeons look to see if history is about to repeat itself, exploring what went wrong with the development and production of the gorgeous Rover SD1. The Carmudgeon Show is part of the Hagerty Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like it or not, we all form opinions about the drivers of car brands. In this episode, the Carmudgeons discuss how they perceive drivers of different cars.  === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS === Your car is an avatar, and you're being judged on it. Jason and Derek laugh their way through their own offensiveness, giving honest reactions to how they consider drivers of different brands of cars. This is episode #1, covering Subaru at first, and then alphabetically going through the list of manufacturers from Acura to Jeep. It includes stereotypes of: Acura drivers, Alfa Romeo drivers, Aston Martin drivers, Audi drivers, Bentley drivers, BMW drivers, Buick drivers, Cadillac drivers, Chevrolet drivers, Chrysler drivers, Dodge drivers, Ferrari drivers, Fiat drivers, Ford drivers, Genesis drivers, Honda drivers, Hyundai drivers, Infiniti drivers, Jaguar drivers, and  Jeep drivers. This might be the most curmudgeonly episode of the Carmudgeon Show yet, because it sure seems like Jason and Derek hate everyone else on the road. At least they hate everyone equally? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet the team behind Jason’s award-winning YouTube videos on this special episode of The Carmudgeon Show. === Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS === In this special episode, we get to know Anthony Esposito and Rob Sanders, the director and editor behind Jason Cammisa’s multiple-award-winning YouTube car videos. Cammisa and Esposito have been working together since Jason joined Motor Trend in 2015. Sanders joined the team shortly thereafter and the Three Stooges have traveled together from Motor Trend to ISSIMI and to Hagerty. The team’s content won EIGHT Telly awards last year — in addition to a Webby, and so far, two International Motor Film Awards — and is widely regarded as the highest-quality automotive content on YouTube. In this episode, Anthony and Rob share behind-the-scenes war-stories about things that have gone wrong on shoots, including Jason smashing up cars or just being a jerk to unsuspecting hotel staff. (Only to have instant karma bite him in the ass.) We learn about Rob and Anthony’s previous cars, what makes them tick — and just generally have a good laugh. === The Curmudgeon Show is part of the Hagerty Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The good old days weren't always good. And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems." Jason and Derek got a huge amount of feedback from the previous episode discussing whether the current car market sucks for Young Enthusiasts. In this episode, the Carmudgeons discuss the feedback — and further define what the problem is — and why that results in outrageous dealer ADMs and shady sales practices. == Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS == First up, Jason is getting beat up on his Cybertruck review — lately having been asked by CNBC whether the Tesla has a snow problem. Meanwhile — all eyes are on the Cybertruck. And our politicized environment just can't cope.  Second, Derek got lots of feedback from 20-somethings who agreed with him that there are no cool cars post-2000 — and that their economic situation has changed sufficiently that they can't own enthusiast cars, anyway.  Meanwhile, Jason got the opposite feedback — that things aren't that bad.  What ensues is, as always, an intelligent discussion about the car market. And how today's economics — and lack of great choices for enthusiast — have encouraged dealers to add slimy markups, prevent buyers from test driving cars they're genuinely interested in buying, and other slimeball practices.  In short, Jason quotes Billy Joel: "The good old days weren't always good. And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems." Except for dealers. Car dealers are just awful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a great discussion coming from a question submitted by our producer Jake: what is the modern equivalent of the Mercedes W201 190E? == This episode of “The Carmudgeon Show” is presented by Valentine One Radar Locator: Find radar before it finds you! https://bit.ly/Valentine1_Hagerty Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS == Jason and Derek try to come up with a list of 5 Cars That Are Significant Like the W201 was.  The first question is what made that old Mercedes so special. The criteria are: Technical Innovation. Moving Into a New Market. Meaningful Change to the Industry. Democratizing Features Previously Not Part of a Segment With bonus points for: Motorsport Heritage Design Then, it becomes so much more. And possibly includes the Hyundai/Kia triplets: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Genesis GV60, and Kia EV6. The 1992 Toyota Camry. The answer lies somewhere between Tesla's Model 3, the Porsche Cayenne, the Toyota Prius, and the Lexus LS400.  === Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek feels like young enthusiasts have gotten screwed in multiple ways — there are no affordable collectible cars anymore and there are no modern cars that are fun and affordable. Plus, with increased cost of living and sky-high student debt, young people have no chance of owning anything great. Jason fully disagrees. == This episode of “The Carmudgeon Show” is presented by Valentine One Radar Locator: Find radar before it finds you! https://bit.ly/Valentine1_Hagerty Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS == This is a rare instance where Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott disagree. Jason feels like Derek (who's ironically more than a decade younger) doesn't understand young people: the cars that appeal to Derek (and older buyers) just don't appeal to younger buyers. And the cars that do appeal to young people are too new for Derek to care about them — but they do exist! What follows is intelligent conversation about getting older, whether cars are actually getting better, whether there are any interesting post-2000 or post-2010 cars — and whether Derek is just too old to understand. Plus, Jason shows Derek his opulent, ridiculous, and over-the-top new garage decor, talks about his 2020-part-4 surprise Covid, and Derek talks about his new car-sales business: OTS & Company.  Or, OT Sand Co., dot com. === The Carmudgeon Show is part of the Hagerty Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a special bonus holiday episode of the Carmudgeon Show! The boys meant to do an episode teaching you everything you need to know about tires.  == This episode of “The Carmudgeon Show” is presented by Valentine One Radar Locator: Find radar before it finds you! https://bit.ly/Valentine1_Hagerty Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS == The tire conversation lead to fun experiences involving different brands — and Derek discovering Rallycross, which is like autocross, but filthy. Jason has lots of experience pushing different tires to the limit — and Michelins seem to hold up to whatever he throws at them. Pirellis? Less so. The biggest surprise lately is Vredestein Tires, which Jason has been experiencing recently. A Bridgestone fan for years, Jason recently placed third overall in a 24 Hours of Lemons race using Bridgestone's new Potenza RE-71RS. They wore well, but gripped fantastically in the dry and (especially) in the wet. Things the boys discussed: what to know about tire size, ratings, and categories. Pirelli CN36s look great, but are they better than Michelin's XWS repops, manufactured by Coker? And what's with Jason's Hankook experience? Who is Petlas? Why is Dunlop's Direzza ZII great, and why can't Yokohama make a round s.Drive? Also — some discussion of efficiency on Jason's Volkswagen e-Golf, which dropped by nearly 40% after switching from the factory Bridgestones to larger, far more aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. The plan is to try out Vredestein Quatracs over the rainy season to see if he can get some range back. Don't forget — the only thing touching the ground is your tires. Choose appropriately! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason drives the 2024 Porsche 911 S/T, the latest limited-production sports car from the Rennsport division of Porsche that makes the GT2, GT3, and GT4. And this leads to a discussion of our favorite drives of the year. == This episode of “The Carmudgeon Show” is presented by Valentine One Radar Locator: Find radar before it finds you! https://bit.ly/Valentine1_Hagerty Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS == The 2024 Porsche 911 S/T is the 992's version of the 991.1's 911R — the ultimate driver's car within the 911 lineup. A naturally aspirated, 9000-rpm, independent-throttle-body, 518-hp flat-six with a 6-speed manual. It's limited-production, which is frustrating, but has convinced Jason that it's the best sports car on the market today. Or perhaps ever. The discussion leads Jason Cammisa and Derek Hyphen to discuss their favorite drives of the year, including quick reviews of: Rimac Nevera Ford F-150 Raptor R Lotus Emira Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Lancia Delta Integrale Renault R5 Turbo Évolution Ferrari 250 California Spider replice Ferrari 246 Dino Toyota GR Yaris Circuit Audi RS2 Avant Porsche 911 RS (964) Porsche 911 GT2 (997) Bentley Mulsanne EWB Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II Lucid Air Sapphire ...and of course a quick discussion of the politics surrounding Jason's review of the Tesla Cybertruck, including Matt Farah (The Smoking Tire) objections. [This was recorded before Jason and Matt recorded the TST Podcast to clear the air.] The Carmudgeon Show is part of the Hagerty Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is an unfiltered chat about the 2024 Hagerty Bull Market — an annual gathering of collector cars that are poised to appreciate in the next year. == This episode of “The Carmudgeon Show” is presented by Valentine One Radar Locator: Find radar before it finds you! https://bit.ly/Valentine1_Hagerty Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS Learn more about the 2024 Bull Market at Hagerty.com/media == Hagerty Media boss Larry Webster joined as our special guest to discuss the list of cars that made the 2024 Bull Market List — and many that didn't. Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino The E9X BMW M3 Competition (E90 and E92) E46 M3 E36 M3 E30 M3 Porsche 911 (997) Chrysler Town & Country A124 Mercedes E320 Cabriolet Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary  Mitsubishi Pajero Evo Jaguar XJ6 Rover SD1 Lotus Omega / Vauxhall Carlton Lancia Delta Integrale Honda Beat Ferrari FF 4RM Ferrari 612 Scaglietti FD3S (FD) Mazda RX-7 Z32 Nissan Z Chevrolet Impala SS (1965-1970) Ford Galaxie Jeep Comanche Jeep Scrambler Jaguar XKR C3 Corvette Ford Thunderbird Lincoln Continental Plymouth Prowler Maserati Quattroporte V Lancia Fulvia As always, there are lots (perhaps too many) opinions about the cars. And much comedy. The Carmudgeon Show is part of the Hagerty Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for a quick Carmudgeon Catch-Up. The boys have been busy filming, but they're back in the studio for a session to discuss what's been going on. And, it turns out, to ponder what life would be like with only two cars. == This episode of “The Carmudgeon Show” is presented by Valentine One Radar Locator: Find radar before it finds you! https://bit.ly/Valentine1_Hagerty Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-ICONS == The updates are many! Jason's Dodge Grand Caravan finally got the custom license plate he ordered almost a year ago – and its innocent profanity is making him laugh.  Beatrice the E30 325i is back on the road after a double-suspension swap with Jason's 325i Touring. Thanks to help from the legendary Bill Arnold Independent BMW, the Spec E30 kit is now on Beatrice, complete with a new clutch and throw-out bearing, and she's ready for track days and rallies. And, of course, taking Jason's niece to Thunderhill Raceway's Teen Survival driving school. Where G learned just how it feels to be in low-earth orbit.  And the 325iT switched back to factory antiroll bars with H&R's new springs, tuned specifically for E30 Touring, and Bilstein B8 shocks that were a gift from our friend Sreten at M539 Restoration in Germany.  Meanwhile, Jason also went to Radwood SoCal 2023, where he gave away a gorgeous set of RML Snowflake wheels to a deserving Scirocco fan. He also met @outlaw_welt — a fan and a gentleman who 3D-printed a bunch of Carmudgeon Show and Jason Cammisa Hagerty Show logo pieces. And gave Jason a ride to the airport in his C126 500SEC 6-speed manual.  Of course, no Carmudgeon Show would be complete without a discussion of Sacco-era Mercedes, and the boys successfully put on a Cars & Coffee in Berkeley on Bruno Sacco's 90th Birthday. More than 100 cars showed up, including almost a dozen W124 500Es. Quite an achievement — and Happy Birthday, Mr. Sacco! Meanwhile, Jason will have just completed his third 24 Hours of Lemons race at Sonoma Raceway (wish him luck and safety) with Bill Arnold and Randy Pobst. The last time they ran this race, 2 years ago, they won overall in their tired, battered E28 BMW. And Derek has major news to share: he's parting ways with ISSIMI to start his own dealership. Daihatsu? Daewoo? Either way, Derek will be peddling the Cheapest D in Town! Details to follow! And he spent a couple days driving his brother's Rivian R1S. Derek's bro has what could possibly be the best 2-car solution ever: an ND2 Miata and a Rivian. This leads the boys to discuss: what would happen if they had to get down to just two cars. Would Jason keep just the Scirocco and the Ferrari? What else?  And could Derek actually do it? The Carmudgeon Show is part of the Hagerty Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices