Episode #031, 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman & Smart, Part 5



OK, we didn't know when to shut up, so we talked about MINI Clubman, the first-gen MINIs we once owned, and then the Smart car, that hedgehog from Stuttgart.

Duration: 23:23
Size: 21.30 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode031.m4a

Duration: 23:23
Size: 21.50 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode031.mp3

Tags: ORP, Open Road Podcast, Mini, Cooper, Clubman, Smart

Episode #030, Inventing the Future: The Tesla Roadster



Internet entrepreneur and founder of Mahalo.com, Jason Calacanis, joins Mr.
Black, Mr. White, and Mr. Blonde to discuss his recent test drive of a Tesla
Roadster.

Jason has a Tesla on order, so Tesla CEO Elon Musk loaned Jason the
demonstrator, serial number 0001, for a week-long test on the streets of
Brentwood, Santa Monica and greater LA.

The conversation inevitably roams into macro issues like energy independence
and Middle Eastern politics. It's not just about the car this time.

Duration: 55:48
Size: 44.40 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode030.m4a

Duration: 55:48
Size: 51.20 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode030.mp3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, ORP, Jason Calacanis, Tesla, Roadster, Calacanis

Episode #028, 2008 BMW 135i Coupe, Part 4



And now, the perfect substitute for the M3: The 135i Coupe. Can't wait to drive a Tii.

Duration: 21:54
Size: 19.60 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode029.m4a

Duration: 21:54
Size: 20.10 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode029.mp3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, ORP, BMW, 135i, Coupe, Automotive

Episode #028, 2008 BMW M3, Part 3



More is discussed and compared between the BMW M3 and the Lexus IS-F.

Duration: 15:44
Size: 13.08 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode028.m4a

Duration: 15:44
Size: 14.44 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode028.mp3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, ORP, BMW, M3, Lexus, IS-F, Automotive

Episode #025, Lexus IS-F, Part 1



After a lengthy hiatus, Mr, Black, Mr. White, and Mr. Blonde are back with Open Road Podcast. The following series of podcasts cover the Lexus IS-F, the BMW M3, and BMW 1-series. Well, then there's an addendum about the Cooper Clubman and the not so Smart car. We'll start with IS-F, the first performance car ever from the notoriously conservative Lexus brand. And for its intended purpose, it's a strong player.

In this episode, the boys discuss the BMW M3, which is a technological tour de force.

Next, the 1-series, with special emphasis on the 135, which is probably the best performance bargain out of Germany. According to Mr. Black, it's also a highly successful evolution of BMW's current design ethos.

And finally, what some might call an afterbirth, a bit of commentary on the MINI Clubman. That leads to a short bit on the Smart car which, amazingly, gets fewer miles from a gallon of gas than the much larger Cooper. Hmmmmmm.

Duration: 21:59
Size: 17.80 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode025.m4a

Duration: 21:59
Size: 20.20 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode025.mp3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, Lexus, IS-F, BMW, M3

Open Road Podcast

Episode #024, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 5 (Final)

I’m Mr Black and I’m here with Mr Blonde in our virtual studio editing the interview carried out yesterday with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford.

Whaddya think so far, Mr Blonde? For guys like us, who want cars that are both efficient and fast, Freeman’s thinking holds a lot of appeal. Nothing waste, get the job done, like a hummingbird or a Cheetah. I’d also ask for a healthy does of good looks and materials.
You know, at this Cars & Coffee show, a guy had an Ariel Atom. Now that’s efficient like a hummingbird, but you need to wear a helmet and a rubber suit to drive around in it. That’s perhaps a little too efficient for a road car. Still, I’d love to have one as a toy for track day.

OK, Mr Blonde, we’ll roll into Jaguar and Mazda commentaries.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Freeman Thomas, Advanced Design

Open Road Podcast

Episode #023, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 4

I’m Mr Black and I’m here with Mr Blonde in our virtual studio editing the interview carried out yesterday with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford.

What did you think of that last part, Mr Blonde? Designers as artists and engineers rather than just taste fairy stylists. Works for me.

One of the few things I miss about my time in Detroit—and man, after four years and 18 days I ran home—is the smell of the clay from the design studios. I used to take a pinch of it and take it back to my desk just because I loved the scent so much.

When he talks about conversion vans, I get a little scared. Eddie Bauer editions, beige fender flares, gold-anodized ladders. Not for me.

Let’s role it, Mr Blonde.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Freeman Thomas, Advanced Design

Open Road Podcast

Episode #022, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 3

I’m Mr Black and I’m here with Mr Blonde in our virtual studio editing the interview carried out yesterday with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford. In the period when I worked in Detroit, I got to attend quite a few clay reviews. And boy, you can sure tell whether or not a car is worth building. It takes just a few moments to see if somehow the car takes hold. Now, you might not understand it, but a good design makes you feel a bit unsettled. Mr Blonde, you’ve had babies. Must be like that feeling when you see your kid pop out and you’re in a state of wonder, but also your stomach is clenched up with worry that you roll the kid over and he’s got a tail!

As we go through this, you’ll hear me blurt out something about a Ferrari going by. Well, a Ferrari 430 Modena passed by outside the design center.

This next part deals with how you redesign an icon, particularly something like the current Mustang, which feeds heavily off the late Sixties past of the Mustang. And then we take a journey into abstract thinking about how designers function, talking about Kelly Johnson, the man who designed so many great American jet aircraft, to Burt Rutan, who designed SpaceShip One, and Freeman even reaches to Andy Warhol.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Freeman Thomas, Advanced Design

Open Road Podcast

Episode #021, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 2

I’m Mr Black and we’re continuing our conversation with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford. Mr Blonde, let me tell you a bit about the studio, or at least what I was allowed to see. After the Cars & Coffee show, Freeman and I went to the lobby of the advanced design studio. There was a one-family 1962 Lincoln Continental on display, owned by the family of another design engineer who works for one of the Japanese advanced design studios. There was also a super-low-mileage and totally original Series 1.5 E-type coupe with 4.2 liter engine and covered headlights. Nice cars to have around.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Freeman Thomas, Advanced Design

Open Road Podcast

Episode #020, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 1

I’m Mr Black and today I’m at Cars & Coffee at the home of Ford’s Advanced Design Center. Now that the show has broken up, I’m sitting down with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #019, Rolls Royce, BMW, and Mini at the Detroit Auto Show

Mr Black and Mr White agree not to discuss Korean products, deeming them pretty much a bore. Instead, they cover the burgeoning BMW Empire. And as you know, Southern England is historically part of Greater Bavaria. So, they discuss the Rolls convertible, the new MINI, and the 3-series convertible coupe. Mid-20th Century humor aside, all three come in for extensive praise. Best of all, more problems with dropped calls on Skype, so some weird cuts here and there.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #018, The Germans are Coming! at the Detroit Auto Show

On to DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes, and a smattering of Panzerwagens. Chrysler is in deep shit these days, and needs yet another miracle to save itself. All Americans should be worried that the Chinese might try to buy Chrysler. Chinese ownership should do wonders for Jeep sales, don't you think? Oh, and by the way, Chrysler just inked a deal with Chery to build small cars in China. Chery is the company Malcolm Bricklin wanted to introduce directly into the US. They build a knock-off of a Daewoo-Chevy. And a more powerful Viper: just what the world needed. Additional Viper sales will no doubt pull Chrysler out of the ditch. Then Mercedes Ocean, and the Audi Diesels.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #017, The Japanese at the Detroit Auto Show

In this segment, Mr Black and Mr White discuss the major Japanese players. Mr. Black likes the Lexus IS-F, LF-A, and Toyota offerings far more than Mr White does. Opinions on the Acura Speed Racer are similar. Honda Accord concept? Oi vey. And then they talk about the Nissan Rogue, Sentra SE-R, and others. More trouble with Skype, that dead-reliable supplier of Internet telephony.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #016, GM at the Detroit Auto Show

In Part 2, Mr Black and Mr White discuss GM's unveilings, with a few sharp comments from Mr Blonde. Skype was barely functional on the day of recording, and all comments on the Cadillac CTS were lost. So, we'll cover CTS the next time we record. Part 3 will cover the big Japanese unveilings. We'll end up with comments on Chrysler and various German sleds.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #015, Ford at the Detroit Auto Show

After three minutes of early-morning warm-up BS about where they've been on the globe and about the auto show babe who remembered Mr Black a full 18 months after their first and only meeting--she's really gorgeous--the guys finally get around to covering the Ford show properties at Detroit.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #014, Rolls Royce Phantom

Mr. White had a Rolls Royce Phantom for a long weekend. He didn't pimp any babes with it, but he did spend a lot of time at the tiller. He even shot it sitting next to a 1959 Cadillac, and the photos show you just how mammoth this car is.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #013.5, GM Proving Grounds

Mr. White visited the GM Proving Grounds to drive new product. This is a short podcast capturing his impressions.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #013, BMW 335i Twin Turbo

Mr. White paid a visit with BMW to drive the all-new 335i Coupe through the rolling countryside north of San Francisco. He found its twin-turbo straight six fantastic, with plenty of development room left for as much as 300 horsepower. But that lame seatbelt minder must go. BMW has once again built a winning strategy, with this car slotting nicely beneath the planned V8 M3.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #012, Bentley Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Arnage R

Mr. Black had a Bentley Continental GT, then Continental Flying Spur and an Arnage R. Mr. White had a Flying Spur. Even Mr. Blonde got in the action with a fast drive in Mr. Black's Flying Spur. The three talk about the many strengths of the Anglo-German New Bentleys. Mr. Black holds court on the many and significant engineering, ergonomic, and performance weaknesses of the ancient Arnage, though he points out the numerous social advantages conferred by its arrival at any valet stand.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #011, Corvette Z06 and Stingray Automobiles

Mr. Black had a Corvette ZO6 for a week. Countless burnouts, powerslides, and miles later, he discusses its phenomenal horsepower, incredible brakes, and all in all fantastic performance, but also its few major failings. Mr White steps in with questions, then gives his insider comments on the upcoming Stingray, a supercharged ZO6 meant to crush all challengers.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #010, VW Eos and VW GTI

Mr Black had a VW GTI for a week. Mr. White visited the Iberian peninsula to drive the new VW Eos, which is built in Portugal. The two discuss the relative merits of both, with high praise for the GTI and some caveats about the social perceptions of the Eos, a hardtop convertible that will no doubt be branded a hairdresser's car.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #009, Alternative Fuels.

Mr Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White discuss alternative fuels, from Mercedes Blutec to liquid hydrogen BMWs..

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #008, Ferrari & Porsche at Geneva.

Mr Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White discuss the latest from Ferrari and Porsche from the Geneva show. Also covered is AMG and it's new engine strategy.

Shows are now released in both MP3 and Enhanced podcasts...

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #007, Chicago Auto Show.

Mr Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White discuss a range of vehicles debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. Mr. Blonde tends the Wurlitzer.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #006 Part 3, Final Installment on Ford Mr. Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White conclude their discussion of the Ford MBA Company with a look at Lincoln and a brilliant engine strategy that Ford management shot down (Not Invented Here Syndrome runs rampant at Ford). Also, a look at Broncos, pickups, and B-cars.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #005 Part 2, Second Installment on Ford. Mr. Black and Mr. White continue their discussion of the Ford Meeting Company, as always focusing on product planning and idiotic marketing decisions from the marketing mavens of Dearborn. Ford Fusion, European and US Ford Focus, the dismal Ford 500, the antique Crown Vic, and the car they should have built, the stunning Ford 427 concept vehicle.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

Episode #004 Part 1, First Installment on Ford... Mr. Richard Black (AKA Swingin' Richard) and Mr. Johnson White begin their discussion of the Ford Meeting Company, focusing on how to mutate the successful Mustang platform, what to do with the Ford family, a bit on Ford design, and an exploration of the vehicles that could be built from a flexible new Ranger platform.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

2006 North American International Auto Show, AKA The Detroit Show.

Commentary and Discussion. Part 3 Covers Honda Ridgeline and why it sucks, Nissan Urge Concept, 3-wheeled VW Concept, Buick Enclave SUV Concept, GM Quality, Stupid GM Designs of the Recent Past, Slamming Ford Design for Lack of Insight, Porsche Cayman S, and Audi's Diesel Le Mans race car.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

2006 North American International Auto Show, AKA The Detroit Show.

Commentary and Discussion. Part 2 Covers Jeep Wrangler and Compass, BMW M Roadster and Z4 Coupe, Lexus LS460, Mercedes GL and ML, Mercedes Branding, Maybach, North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards for Civic and Ridgeline, Pontiac Solstice.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Open Road Podcast

2006 North American International Auto Show, AKA The Detroit Show.

Commentary and Discussion. Part 1 Covers Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, Edge "CUV," Ford Reflex and Super Chief Concepts, Lincoln Debuts, Chrysler Imperial Concept, Dodge Challenger Concept, Camaro Concept, Lamborghini Miura and Gallardo, Audi S6 and S8 V10, Bugatti Veyron, Aston Martin and Aston Rapide Concept.

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive