1st of 2 episodes from the ISSIMI published version of this series. Jason Cammisa is back — not only driving the MAT New Stratos, but explaining what made the original Lancia Stratos a legend. Learn what makes this carbon-fiber supercar even better than the Ferrari F430 it's based upon — from its Pininfarina design to its extensive wind-tunnel testing and development.
2nd of 2 episodes from the ISSIMI published version of this series. The Shelby name has been applied to everything from the magnificent Mustang GT350 to stickered-up economy cars. Jason’s question: is the new GT500 a marketing stunt, or is it one of those true Shelby specials that's so good it’s destined to become an icon? In the 2nd episode of ICONS, presented by ISSIMI, automotive journalist Jason Cammisa puts the 2020 Shelby GT500 into perspective by comparing it against the benchmarks — the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2), and the quickest-accelerating, front-engine, rear-drive car of all time, the magnificent Ferrari 812 Superfast. Jason also drives a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 to teach us about the original Shelby Cobra homologation Mustangs and where the GT350 name comes from . And what the GT500 name doesn't mean.
What makes a Supra, a Supra? Our veteran automotive journalist Jason Cammisa asks that very question as he pits the updated Mk5 A90 Supra against its mechanical twin, the BMW Z4 M40i as well as the Mk5's predecessor, the A80 Mk4 Supra Turbo. Cammisa also heads to Toyota's CALTY Design Research Center to visit the magnificent FT-1 concept car that gave life to the Supra — where he chats with Kevin Hunter, its designer, about the challenges in grafting the FT-1's design language onto the Z4's hard points. The surprise star of the video is the 2021 BMW M2 CS. On paper, it would seem to have nothing to do with the Supra, but in fact, there's an argument to be made that it's an even better Supra than the Supra itself.
By putting the Mustang name and badge on it, Ford got us to care about the Mach-E — a midsize SUV similar in size to the Edge. Should we? Jason spends time with a Mach-E, a very sideways 2020 Mustang GT PP2, and a Tesla Model Y Long Range to find out. Cashing in the Mustang's brand equity on an SUV might seem like a disingenuous PR stunt, but it's not, and for several reasons. Primarily, the badge fed back into the Mach-E's development, resulting in Mustang-like looks, Mustang-like steering, and Mustang-like handling. Or, put another way, Mustang-like appeal. Secondly, the internal combustion engine is being outlawed. Ford has no choice but to pivot towards electric cars. A lesson taken from Silicon Valley is that to survive (whether by innovation or evolution) you have to be willing to sacrifice your current products or brands. So, can the Mach-E keep up with a Mustang GT in a drag race? How about the Tesla Model Y? Which is the better SUV? You'll have to watch to find out.
The G80 M3 can't live up to our expectations from the M3 badge when the G20 3-series it's based on barely resembles a 3-series. Or can it?
The second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 are here, and we've driven the Toyota together with the 2022 Volkswagen GTI Mk8, a drag race against the venerable Mazda MX-5 Miata, and a surprise visit by a Porsche 944 Turbo. This is a full track and road review of the new Toyota 86 and Mk8 GTI as you've come to expect from Jason Cammisa including loads of beautiful sideways slides, donuts, J-Turns, and — perhaps more importantly than anything else — perspective and insight. Why is a rear-wheel drive sports car such a big deal? If the GTI is so good (and it is) why is the iconic sports car recipe always RWD? Is it just because of weight transfer and the traction circle? Jason explores this and more — and comes to the conclusion that the Mk2 Toyota GR86 is the spiritual successor to the Porsche 944. You'll have to watch to find out how and why.
Full review, track battle, and drag race of the Blackwing versus Plaid versus BMW M5 CS — what better way to find out why the top dog Cadillac is an icon? In this episode, Jason Cammisa reviews the CT5-V Blackwing along with the CT4-V Blackwing and the BMW M5 CS, and brings along a TMS Plaid to show why future Blackwings will be electric. SCCA Hall of Fame race-car driver Randy Pobst breaks the sedan lap record at Willow Springs (Big Willow) three times in one episode: which of these 3 super-sedans is quickest around a track? The episode starts out with a drag race to see which one is quickest in a straight line — and the results might surprise you. This is the definitive review of the CT5-V and the most sideways review of the BMW M5 and its incredible AWD system.
The ultimate luxury, you ask? It’s a time machine — the ability to go back and do it all over again, knowing everything you know now. The Lucid Air Dream Edition P isn’t Tesla Model S 2.0, the company itself is Tesla v2.0, since many of the engineers and executives at the company benefited from the experience gained in setting up Tesla as a company. And so the Air is a marvel of efficiency in packaging, powertrain, and aero. But its handling target was the E39-chassis BMW M5. And that’s a high bar. With 1111 horsepower from two tiny motors, our test results showed the Air Dream Edition P could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 9.9 sec @ 143.5 mph: meaning it’s quicker than every Bugatti Veyron made, even the 1200-hp Vitesse and Super Sport models. Does that make it a new benchmark of luxury? Or did Rivian do the right thing with the R1T, giving you the luxury of carting around more things and going more places? And what about the Mercedes
The ultimate review of the 2023 Nissan Z, including a track battle with the Toyota GR Supra and SCCA Hall-of-Fame race car driver Randy Pobst! In this episode of ICONS, Webby award-winning journalist Jason Cammisa shines perspective on the New Z, comparing it to the original Datsun 240Z, and then taking us on a journey from the traditional sports-car to today's car of choice: the SUV. With a Supra vs Z lap battle — complete with Streets of Willow lap times set by Randy Pobst — an impromptu drift-off, this is everything you need to know about the new Z. Including why the original Z was such a big deal — changing what the term "sports car" meant, when it replaced the typically British two-seat roadster. Bob Ross blames wage stagnation for sports cars becoming bigger, heavier, and more practical. As we move through the decades, the hottest cars then went to Hot Hatches and then Hot Sedans before now landing on fast SUVs. The Mazda Miata is the only "British roadster" left. And it's
The following video features driving performed under the supervision of professionals. Hagerty does not recommend anyone try this at home or attempt to recreate any activity performed in this video as it may result in personal injury or property damage. What car screams all American authenticity, raw off-road power, and represents a full-circle piece of automotive history? We give you, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor. In this episode of ICONS, Jason Cammisa reviews the Ford Bronco Raptor, alongside the Jeep Wrangler 392, the Mercedes G63 AMG, and the Land Rover Defender 90 V8. Jason puts the BRaptor to the test, to see if it can compare to these three legendary off-road vehicle brands. We'll take you overlanding (sort of) into the off-road mecca of the Bronco, as well as into the more 'realistic' suburban Starbucks laden lands, to put the Raptor to the ultimate test. Does the Ford Bronco namesake, reanimated from its 1970's grave, stack up against these three well established automotive
Jason Cammisa's award-winning, best car review on the Internet tackles the brand-new 2023 Genesis G90 and takes a big-picture look at Genesis' bright future. Starring the original Lexus LS400, the current Lexus LS500h, the all-electric Genesis GV60 SUV, and the first Hyundai sold in America — the Hyundai Excel. Throughout history, the biggest differentiator between the best cars and forgettable cars has been their engine. As an automaker, Genesis has reached unexpected heights, but it's held back by the workaday engines from its Hyundai parent. Once its products go electric, that differentiator is going away, potentially catapulting Genesis to the top of the luxury-car heap where desirability reigns supreme. Come along on this enlightening — and hilarious — journey that includes 4 different car reviews, 2 drag races, and a 1994 Hyundai that disintegrates in front of our eyes. All with a bonus BTS outtake featuring the hilarious Randy Pobst.
This is the definitive review of the Toyota GR Corolla, for the first time tested against the GR Yaris, the FL5 11th-generation Honda Civic Type R, and Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R — all with manual transmissions.
In this world-exclusive comprehensive First Review of the Tesla Cybertruck, Jason Cammisa tests Tesla’s Cyberbeast — in acceleration, handling, maneuverability, dent-resistance, and safety — and races it down the ¼-mile against the Rivian R1T Quad-Motor AWD and GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup.
This is the definitive review of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a feature-length documentary on the history of the Mustang that now includes its direct rival: the BMW M4 Competition.
This action-packed documentary celebrates the achievements of the man who brought you the racing Porsche 911, the 917, the Bugatti Veyron, the Audi Quattro, the VW Phaeton, the Mercedes OM617 turbodiesel, TDI, DSG, XL1 and... Dieselgate. As promised for literal years on The Carmudgeon Show, this is the Piëchisode!