Automotive Whys, Part 1 - Infrastructure

Taking a heavily modified 1997 BMW M3 cross country 2,900 miles sounds like a great idea; what could possibly go wrong? In this episode, Sylas shares the stories from his epic roadtrip from California to Ohio through 10 states in his BMW E36. With the opportunity, he decided to take the scenic route, visiting Yosemite, Moab, Arches National Park, Gateway Colorado, and Pikes Peak. Listen to the episode to hear what was worth the journey -- and if the car made it without incident.  Cold Start Hint: Inline 6 cylinder Answer to Episode 86 Cold Start: Porsche 964 (Singer DLS Turbo)

Restomods have become a massive industry within the automotive space in the last decade, popularized by big names like Singer and Guntherwerks. It is interesting to see its increased popularity as more car enthusiasts yearn for the old analog feel with modern amenities. However, the companies within this emerging market operate in a gray area of rebuilding old cars rather than being considered manufacturers. Todd and Sylas explore the differences of brands like Singer compared to RUF, and what are the main draw backs of buying a restomod compared to a manufactured car. Cold Start Hint: John Lennon tune at least twice Answer to Episode 85 Cold Start: BMW F82 M4

Have you ever been on vacation and thought to yourself, "it would be so much cooler if I had my car here!" Okay, maybe this thought only passes through car enthusiasts' heads when their beloved car has been left at home. This internal voice is louder in some heads than others, and it drives some people to take vacations with their cars. Of course road trips aren't something new or daring, but what if that internal voice convinced you it was a good idea to ship your car overseas to join you on a European vacation? This is exactly what ran through Sam Stromberg's head as he shipped his BMW M4 from the United States to Europe -- to go on the road trip adventure of a lifetime. Cold Start Hint: Danger to crank hub   Answer to Episode 84 Cold Start: DeLorean DMC-12

Back for more answering of the why questions no one thinks to ask. This time Todd and Sylas get into those little details around your car that you may not notice on the day to day but you most certainly have seen. Ever wondered why the edges of your windshield have those little black dots? This episode is your chance to find out why -- plus learning other earth-shattering stories behind automotive design. Cold Start Hint: Speedo is limited to 85mph, but maybe 88?   Answer to Episode 83 Cold Start: 1988 Audi 200 Trans Am.

What started as a public relations crisis turned into absolute dominance on track. Todd and Sylas cover the fascinating story behind Audi making their debut in American motorsports, and the performance that followed. The 1988 Trans-Am season was not only the first time that Audi raced in America, minus the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but it was also the first time they went circuit racing. Audi has always been know in the motorsport history books for their success in rally, but not many know about their early days on pavement. Their all wheel drive Quattro system was so dominant in circuit racing that it was seen as an "unfair advantage", and actually led to AWD racecars being banned in several series.  Cold Start Hint:  A sedan turned racecar, with an odd number of cylinders.   Answer to Episode 82 Cold Start: 1997 PC26 IndyCar with the Ilmor-built Mercedes turbo CART engine

The guys sit down with Daniel Rascher, a sports economist and Professor at the University of San Francisco, and the President of the consulting firm, SportsEconomics. With decades of experience in the sports industry, he has worked with clients such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NASCAR, Formula 1, IndyCar, ALMS, and many more. Professor Rascher gives his perspective on the economics of the motorsports industry at the moment, and shares his experience working on the major antitrust case between 23XI and NASCAR earlier in 2026. Get ready: we are going back to class, to learn about a side of motorsports that we don't typically think about! (Plus, Sylas learns that yards are used in football, not baseball. :-)) Cold Start Hint: It raced after the IndyCar split   Answer to Episode 81 Cold Start: 1930's Austin 7

Answering the questions no one thinks to ask, Todd and Sylas dive into explaining the Whys of everyday automotive facts we take for granted. Focusing on infrastructure, the guys cover how we have developed the automotive landscape we all use today. From why stop signs are red, to where the left hand drive car came from, delve into the history of the things about cars that most of us don't think twice about.  Cold Start Hint: One of the first to be like this!   Answer to Episode 80 Cold Start: Ferrari Dodici Cilindri

A new era is among us! It seems that in the upper end of the automotive industry, the next steps forward are actually going backward, and taking a look at what made cars so enjoyable to drive in past years. This phase of the digital analog car is here, and it means that the newest technologies in the automotive sector are now being used to make cars feel "old". Well, not old as in outdated, but old regarding the way they feel behind the wheel -- to try to bring more of that analog mechanical feeling that makes car enthusiasts fall in love. And not only are we seeing this in the high end supercar space, but also in a new age of enthusiast designed electric cars as well. Todd and Sylas cover all, along with their opinions. Cold Start Hint: Analog motor in a digital car.   Answer to Episode 79 Cold Start: Mercedes SLR Sterling Moss.

A name that seems to pop up in many different racing stories and is undoubtably synonymous with motorsports, Sir Sterling Moss is a figure in racing who is worth knowing more about. For those unfamiliar with vintage racing, you may have heard "Sterling Moss" in reference to the Mercedes SLR Sterling Moss edition, a sleek windshieldless roadster hypercar. You would have to be someone quite special to have Mercedes name a car after you, so Todd and Sylas go back in history to learn more about this racing icon -- one of the most successful F1 drivers who never won a championship. Cold Start Hint: Can you tell it doesn't have a windshield?   Answer to Episode 78 Cold Start: Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, obviously

Monterey Car week is one of the largest gatherings of car enthusiasts in the country. The petrol passionate crowd swarms the usually quiet Monterey Bay Area in California to attend car shows, auctions, and exclusive events. The main appeal for many is the insane exotic sports cars that fill up the streets, and the exclusive access to high end auto manufacturers newest model unveilings. Unfortunately, the popularity of the event has grown over the last decade by a large margin, attracting a crowd seeking attention and recognition of others on the Internet rather than enjoying the community. Todd and Sylas reflect on some fond stories of their experiences at Monterey Car Week and discuss the shift that has been occurring and how it could end Car Week as we know it. Cold Start Hint: There was one at car week, obviously   Answer to Episode 77 Cold Start: 1912 Indian Board Track Racer