Car Chat

Arash Farboud is a British automotive designer and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Arash Cars, a boutique car manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports and hypercars. Established in 1999, Arash Cars has developed a reputation for producing bespoke, cutting-edge vehicles that push the boundaries of technology and design. The company's creations range from lightweight sports cars to powerful electric hypercars, including models like the AF10, AF8, and Imperium. Arash Cars is known for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and a passion for producing limited-run, exclusive cars for discerning enthusiasts.https://arashcars.com/Show Notes:00:00 The Journey of a Car Designer02:46 Challenges in Creating Hypercars06:01 The Evolution of Car Manufacturing Technology08:56 The Impact of COVID on Car Development11:51 Navigating the Electric Vehicle Market14:47 The Emotional Connection to Cars18:13 Innovations in Engine Technology20:59 The Future of Lightweight Sports Cars23:53 Special Projects and Collaborations26:46 The Role of Emotion in Car Design30:09 The Market for Hypercars33:04 The Experience of Owning Hypercars36:03 The Challenges of Building a Car38:59 The Importance of Celebrating Successes41:52 The Future of Car Manufacturing44:50 The Balance of Innovation and Market Demand01:09:33 Designing Bespoke Automotive Solutions01:12:34 Challenges of High-Performance Engines01:16:58 The Evolution of Driving Experience01:20:36 Memorable Driving Journeys01:34:30 The Future of Restomods01:49:20 The Business of Car Restoration02:01:12 The Impact of Automation on Employment02:04:40 Building a Dream Garage

In this episode of the Car Chat podcast, host Sam Moores welcomes Viktor Engler, the founder and CEO of Engler Automotive. Viktor discusses his journey from a childhood in Slovakia, where his passion for cars was ignited by a book about Ferruccio Lamborghini, to becoming the creator of the unique “Superquad” vehicles. These vehicles, which defy traditional automotive categories, combine elements of both cars and motorbikes, featuring an Audi R8 engine and custom-built components. Viktor shares stories of overcoming financial challenges, securing investor support, and the engineering feats required to bring his vision to life. He also talks about the introduction of the new V12 superquad, a limited-edition vehicle boasting 1200 horsepower, 1200 kilograms of weight, and 1200 newton meters of torque, priced at 1.2 million euros. This episode provides a deep dive into the world of innovative vehicle design and the persistence required to bring such groundbreaking concepts to market.https://www.super-quad.com/Enjoy,SamShow Notes:00:00 Introduction to Engler Automotive and Superquads02:05 Childhood Dream and Inspiration09:43 Finding Investors and Making Sales14:27 Challenges with Audi and Obtaining Permission19:19 Innovative Features: Motorbike Controls and Custom Steering System25:23 Development and Unique Aspects of Superquads29:42 Reactions and Experiences on the Road35:28 Driving Experience and Getting Used to Superquads38:18 Throttle Choice and Safety Measures42:30 The Importance of Steering Wheel Controls and Physical Buttons49:06 The Desire for More Powerful Engines, Particularly V12s52:55 The Development of A V12 Engine and Unique Gearbox01:06:24 The Most Undervalued and Interesting Cars in the Market

In this episode of the Car Chat Podcast, Nikita Bridan, co-founder of Oil Stain Lab, joins us to share his fascinating journey from a career in car design to launching his own automotive design consultancy. Nikita dives into the inspiration behind their standout project, the "Half 11," detailing the unique challenges they encountered during its creation. He explores their design philosophy, which centers around minimalism, problem-solving, and cleverly integrating function into the aesthetics.We also discuss the decision to use an LS engine in the Half 11, addressing the challenges and controversies it sparked. Nikita sheds light on the design and development process of their latest project, the HF 11, and shares his experience at Goodwood, where the Half 11 was showcased. He reflects on how the car was received at the event and talks about the importance of branding and positioning in the automotive world. Finally, we touch on iconic cars like the Lamborghini Countach and Mazda 787B, and their lasting impact on the industry.https://hf-11.com/Show Notes:00:00 Starting a Design Consultancy and Building the half 1119:44 Challenging Porsche Purists with the half 1125:18 The Design Approach of Oilstain Lab: Minimalism and Problem-Solving33:23 Creating a Fake History and Pushing Boundaries38:05 Cutting a 911 in Half: The Journey of Building the half 1146:36 Collaborating with Experts: The Role of Engineering in the Design Process47:42 The Controversial Decision to Use an LS Engine48:38 The Development of the HF 1149:34 The Most Undervalued Car at the Moment52:25 The Most Interesting New Car01:31:25 Sam's Dream Five-Car Garage

I join James (MrJWW) in his new Koenigsegg London dealership for a catchup on all of the crazy projects now underway with DRVN group. In pt1. we discuss Koenisegg and particularly the crazy one off Jesko engined, CC850 gearboxed Agera that James recently drove. We then move onto Boreham Motorworks and the licensed Ford products that will be coming along with Pt.2 where we will have the Evolito (355 Restomod) story including the genesis of that project and where it has got to now.https://koenigsegglondon.com/https://borehammotorworks.com/Enjoy,Sam

Colin Hoad of CAT Driver Training joins me again (first episode here) to discuss everything you need to know before starting racing.Check out the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/eaZDb5d - all profits go to the charity Mission Motorsport (https://www.missionmotorsport.org/)Enjoy,SamShow Notes:00:00:00 - Intro + Renting a Car for a Test Day00:00:25 - Welcome and Introduction00:01:05 - Colin’s Background00:03:12 - Writing "How to Start Racing Now"00:08:05 - Insights on Racing Preparation00:09:20 - Determining Driver Skills for Racing00:11:45 - Advanced Driving Techniques00:14:02 - Psychological Challenges in Racing00:19:37 - Choosing the Right Car and Series00:25:02 - Understanding Racing Costs00:31:01 - Real-life Cost Examples00:38:21 - Importance of Fitness and Preparation00:45:12 - Continuous Learning and Improvement00:52:33 - Customer Experiences and Feedback01:01:45 - Final Thoughts on Racing Careers

In this episode Sam Moores sits down with Chris Shelley - Founder of Dymag as we know it today. Dymag has a long history of producing carbon and carbon hybrid wheels for racing. The majority on 2 wheels but a lot on 4 developing them for everything from Formula 1 to the Dakar Rally. Dymag has produced some of the lightest wheels you can get hold of today, working with companies such as BAC for the Mono, Guntherwerks and many more. https://dymag.com/Enjoy, Show Notes:00:00:00 - Meet Chris Shelley and Dymag00:02:48 - How Chris started and saved Dymag in 199300:06:44 - Facing challenges and moving the industry forward00:09:17 - Creating carbon composite wheels and fighting regulations00:12:14 - Important deals and famous interactions00:15:41 - New designs in wheels and the move to hybrid models00:20:00 - Chris's work before Dymag00:23:08 - Chris's return to Dymag and new leadership goals00:26:03 - What’s next in wheel technology and making00:29:12 - How special models change the car industry00:32:09 - Clearing up myths about carbon wheels00:35:11 - Plans for selling to more cars and luxury vehicles00:38:21 - Exciting new projects and partnerships in wheels00:40:45 - How lighter wheels help with performance and control00:43:17 - Chris’s thoughts on where car technology is heading01:09:19 - Five QuestionsJoin us for this exciting chat about past achievements, present innovations, and the future of car technology. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes from "Car Chat"!

In this segment of "Car Chat" Episode 202, Sam Hancock describes racing in the historic Spa Six Hour Classic. Amidst the pouring rain and darkness, Sam navigates a packed grid in a GT40, showcasing the high stakes and skill required in historic racing. He stresses the paramount importance of preserving these classic cars, balancing the urge to compete with the necessity to protect. Tune in for the full episode for a catchup with Sam and what he's been up to over the last few years. Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sam-hancock-professional-racing-driver-dealer-in-exceptional/id1432553826?i=1000653200323https://www.samhancock.com/https://www.instagram.com/hancock_sam/

Sam Hancock joins me this week to discuss what he's been up to in the last few years. Sam has always been connecting car purchases but he's now got a base with cars in stock and things are going extremely well. We chat about historic racing, what it's like driving as a new parent and how Sam's mindset has shifted on GT3 racing and electronic aids. Enjoy, Sam https://www.samhancock.com/https://www.instagram.com/hancock_sam/Show Notes:00:00:00 - IntroductionOverview of Sam Hancock’s career and transition to historic racing.00:02:15 - Beginnings in RacingSam discusses his early racing ambitions and the move from karting to endurance racing.00:05:48 - The Shift to Historic RacingHow and why Sam transitioned to focusing on historic racing as his career in modern racing vehicles wound down.00:10:31 - The Appeal of Historic CarsThe personal significance and joy of racing historic cars for Sam, highlighting particular vehicles.00:15:14 - Career Highlights and Memorable RacesReflections on standout moments from racing at Le Mans and other historic events.00:20:00 - The Business of Historic Car BrokerageInsights into Sam's venture into the brokerage of historic race cars during the COVID-19 pandemic.00:25:26 - The Future of Racing and Car CollectingSam’s thoughts on the trends in car collecting and the future of the racing industry.00:30:04 - Changes in GT RacingDiscussion on the evolution of GT racing and how it impacts both new and historic racing series.00:35:16 - Importance of Car LiveryThe significance of memorable liveries in car value and recognition.00:40:53 - Transitioning to Historic Racing SeriesPotential developments in historic racing series that could include modern GT3 cars.00:45:21 - The Driving Experience in Modern Race CarsSam describes his recent experiences testing a Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo and his newfound appreciation for modern race car technologies.00:50:06 - The Accessibility and Appeal of GT3 RacingExploring why GT3 racing remains a popular and accessible option for enthusiasts and amateur racers.00:55:21 - Comparing Historic and Modern RacingA comparison of the thrills and challenges of driving historic versus modern race cars on today’s tracks.01:00:00 - Closing ThoughtsFinal reflections and advice for those interested in either entering the racing world or collecting race cars.