Episode #037, 2009 Audi R8



Mr. White's lucky streak continues unabated as he gets into an Audi R8. Unaccustomed as he is to such exotica, he proclaims the design superior to the F430, though Mr. Black and Mr. Blonde disagree. Discussion covers the engine, the lack of torque-vectoring, the fine exterior design and how it's the best quote yet of the Auto Union GP cars of the Thirties, the Italo-Aryan interior dimensions, and the semi-auto gearbox that sure ain't no DSG.

Duration: 54:12
Size: 60.95 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode037.m4a

Duration: 54:12
Size: 74.47 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode037.mp3

Tags: Audi, R8

Episode #036, 2009 Nissan GT-R



When Mr. White gets a lucky run, he sure makes the most of it. In this segment, the boys discuss Mr. White's time in a Nissan GT-R. Torque-vectoring, AWD, cast aluminum structural components, just how many tens of thousands of dollars Nissan is eating on each GT-R sold, and the need to race this box at Le Mans.

Duration: 50:40
Size: 41.20 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode036.m4a

Duration: 50:40
Size: 46.42 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode036.mp3

Tags: Nissan, GT-R

Episode #035, Saleen



Mr. Blue, AKA Mr. Detroit, wanted to talk about Saleen, Hyde Park, and American Sunroof Corporation, ASC. ASC now owns the state-of-the-art niche assembly plant where the Ford GT was built. The boys discuss the potential for Saleen’s new S7 successor, which will sell for a lot less money. Mr. Black holds court about who actually developed the S7—it was an old friend of his. Also another foray into the distant past covering relations with Panoz Automotive development and how that planted so many ideas in the minds of Deeeeeeetroit engineers. Mr. Blue makes his point about Kenny Brown. And we all wish Steve Saleen the very best of luck in his new ventures, modifying various Detroit pony cars.

Duration: 40:00
Size: 37.70 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode035.m4a

Duration: 40:00
Size: 36.66 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode035.mp3

Tags: Saleen, ASC, Raptor, Hyde Park, American Sunroof Corp, Panoz

Episode #034, ///Chevron



Mr. Black left his product worries behind for a few days and drove from LA to the Bay area in Yellow Bird, including a shot across his favorite road in California. Final destination? Chevron’s research center in Richmond, CA, on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Chevron had invited 15 online journalists to participate in a day of presentations and Q&A about Chevron’s fuel additive, Techron. Mr. Black has long been a Mobil man because a former Mobil CEO bought one of the race cars Mr. Black helped develop in the Nineties, one of those infamous R cars. But allegiance has changed. You can see the PDF posted to decide for yourself. Mr. Blue and Mr. Black both have their professional work scrutinized by corporate lawyers, so they know Chevron couldn’t make the claims if Techron were snake oil. Based on the research Mr. Black saw and you can see for yourself in the PDF, Chevron’s Techron additive is the real deal and can dramatically clean the injectors, valves and combustion chambers of a modern engine. Mr. Blonde was sold on it long ago, it turns out.

Duration: 16:35
Size: 13.70 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode034.m4a

Duration: 16:35
Size: 15.20 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode034.mp3

Support Documents
Here are the PDF files mentioned in the show:

TECHRON Concentrate Plus (3.53MB)

TECHRON Tech Tour: Chevron-Richmond Technology Center (1.83MB)

To view these PDF files, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader from Adobe.

Tags: Chevron, Techron, Fuel Technology

Episode #033, Compact Trucks, Part 2



More on little pickups. Perfect if you want to know what it's like to sit in a marketing meeting with people who actually know what they're talking about--as opposed to the MBAs who so often make poor decisions.

Duration: 24:04
Size: 19.90 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode033.m4a

Duration: 24:04
Size: 22.10 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode033.mp3

Tags: Compact Trucks, Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, Toyota

Episode #032, Compact Trucks, Part 1



A new player enters, Stage Right. Mr Blue is a truck marketing geek. He and Mr Black discuss the potential market for a compact pickup. This is one for marketing people to listen to, or guys who know about trucks.

Duration: 33:06
Size: 29.20 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode032.m4a

Duration: 33:06
Size: 30.34 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode032.mp3

Tags: Compact Trucks, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota

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: Open Road Podcast, ORP, Mini Cooper, Mini, 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, Tesla, Roadster, Jason Calacanis, Calacanis

Episode #029, 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, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, 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, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, BMW, Lexus, M3, IS-F, Automotive

Episode #027, The Bourne Identity



Mr Black and Mr Blonde are joined by the one and only, and apparently infamous, Scott Bourne, the man who created Internet radio. Scott talks about his adventures with World Class Driving, an event company that rents time in exotics. The three also discuss his new purchase, an R-class Mercedes. You can view the photos and video that Scott took of this event on his web site, TWIPPhoto.com. Scott also produces various podcasts including our favorites, The Apple Phone Show, This Week in Photography, and MacBreak Weekly. You can subscribe to them in iTunes or can visit his site links here.

Duration: 44:17
Size: 37.80 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode027.m4a

Duration: 44:17
Size: 40.60 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode027.mp3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Scott Bourne, World Class Driving, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Gallardo, Superleggera, Corvette, 599 GTB Fiorano, F430 Spider

Episode #026, 2008 BMW M3, Part 2



With the IS-F covered, the boys move onto the BMW M3, a brilliant technological statement.

Duration: 29:42
Size: 23.66 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode026.m4a

Duration: 29:42
Size: 27.22 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode026.mp3

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

Hello to all our fans! We have not forgotten about you guys. We are working on more interviews and content for the show. Stay tuned!

Tags: Podcast

We want to say congratulations to MrBlonde for being the winner of The Apple Phone Show contest. The show awarded him a new Apple 8gb iPhone. We want to say many thanks to The Apple Phone Show and Scott Bourne for his great production work and host of the show. If you have not heard the show, please look for it in iTunes or visit their site at The Apple Phone Show.

Tags: Apple Phone Show, Podcast, iPhone

Episode #024, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 5



Direct download: ORP-Episode024.mp3

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.

Duration: 15:40
Size: 14.40 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ford Interceptor
Ford Airstream
Lincoln MKR
Mazda Ryuga
Jaguar C-XF

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Freeman Thomas, Advanced Design Center, Interceptor, Airstream, MKR, Lincoln, Mazda, Ryuga, Jaguar, C-XF

Episode #023, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 4



Direct download: ORP-Episode023.mp3

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.

Duration: 18:33
Size: 17.10 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ford Interceptor
Ford Airstream
Lincoln MKR
Ford Reflex
Mazda Ryuga
Jaguar C-XF

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Freeman Thomas, Advanced Design Center, Lincoln, Interceptor, Airstream, MKR, Reflex, Mazda, Ryuga, Jaguar, C-XF

If you are a member of Facebook, we have just created a group for Open Road Podcast, of which we are a member. Joining Facebook is free, and there are millions of people online there. We created the group so that listeners can post topics in the discussion board and upload photos.

Tags: Facebook, Group

Episode #022, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 3



Direct download: ORP-Episode022.mp3

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.

Duration: 25:48
Size: 23.70 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ford Interceptor
Ford Airstream
Lincoln MKR
Ford Reflex

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Lincoln, Freeman Thomas, Advanced Design Center, Interceptor, Airstream, MKR, Reflex

Episode #021, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 2



Direct download: ORP-Episode021.mp3

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.

Duration: 12:54
Size: 11.90 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ford Interceptor
Ford Airstream
Lincoln MKR
Ford Reflex

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Lincoln, Ford, Advanced Design Center, Freeman Thomas, Interceptor, Airstream, MKR, Reflex

Episode #020, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 1



Direct download: ORP-Episode020.mp3

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.

Duration: 15:04
Size: 13.90 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ford Interceptor
Ford Airstream
Lincoln MKR
Ford Reflex

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Lincoln, Advanced Design Center, Interceptor, Airstream, MKR, Reflex, Freeman Thomas

Coming up is an interview with Freeman Thomas of Ford's Advanced Design Studio. We've also driven a VW Rabbit and, at the other end of the Piech Spectrum, a Bentley GTC.

Tags: Advanced Design Center, Automotive, VW, Rabbit, Bentley, GTC

Scott Bourne of NetRadio fame and podcast shows like MacBreak Weekly, Apple Phone Show, This Week in Tech, iLife Zone, and This Week in Media, enjoyed our podcast so much that he blogged about it! See what he has to say about Open Road Podcast.

Scott Bourne's blog at PodcastingTricks.com

Scott Bourne was the founder of NetRadio. It was the world's first online only radio network. It was the first company to use streaming media to deliver radio-style programming over the Internet.

Tags: Podcasting, Scott Bourne

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

Direct download: ORP-Episode019.mp3

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.

Duration: 40:40
Size: 37.30 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Rolls Royce
BMW
Mini Cooper

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Rolls Royce, BMW, Mini Cooper, Detroit Auto Show

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

Direct download: ORP-Episode018.mp3

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.

Duration: 26:34
Size: 24.40 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Chrysler Nassau
Dodge Viper
Jeep Trailhawk
Audi Q7
Mercedes Benz GL 450
Porsche Cayenne
Mercedes Benz Ocean

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, Jeep, Audi, Porsche, Nassau, Viper, Trailhawk, Q7, GL 450, Cayenne, Ocean

Episode #017, The Japanese at the Detroit Auto Show

Direct download: ORP-Episode017.mp3

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.

Duration: 27:44
Size: 25.50 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Lexus IS-F
Lexus LF-A
Toyota FT-HS
Acura Advance Sports Car Concept
Honda Accord Coupe
Nissan Bevel
Nissan Rogue
Mitsubishi Lancer

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Lexus, Toyota, Acura, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, IS-F, LF-A, Advanced Sports Car Concept, Accord, Bevel, Rogue, Lancer

Episode #016, GM at the Detroit Auto Show

Direct download: ORP-Episode016.mp3

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.

Duration: 16:48
Size: 15.41 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Malibu
Cadillac CTS

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Volt, Malibu, CTS

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.


Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ford Interceptor
Ford Airstream
Lincoln MKR
Jaguar C-XF
Volvo XC60
Iosis
Mazda Ryuga

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Ford, Lincoln, Jaguar, Volvo, Iosis, Mazda, Interceptor, Airstream, MKR, C-XF, XC60, Ryuga

Episode #014, Rolls Royce Phantom

Direct download: ORP-Episode014.mp3

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.

Duration: 57:26
Size: 52.7 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Rolls Royce Phantom

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Rolls Royce, Phantom

We decided to move forward with MP3 formatted shows versus Enhanced. This will allow us to produce the shows quicker and release them on a more regular schedule. If you think we should not, please post a comment or email us.

Mr Blonde

Tags: Podcast, MP3

Episode #013.5, GM Proving Grounds

Direct download: ORP-Episode013.5.m4a

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

Duration: 15:43
Size: 15.80 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode. Check the enhanced podcast for photos of the other vehicles in the show...

Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Chevrolet, Corvette, ZO6

Episode #013.5, GM Proving Grounds

Direct download: ORP-Episode013.5_MP3.mp3

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

Duration: 15:43
Size: 7.30 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode. Check the enhanced podcast for photos of the other vehicles in the show...

Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive, Chevrolet, Corvette, ZO6

We haven't posted a damn thing since late October. Holy shit. We've been making money, buying cars, traveling, scoring with blonde babes, and working our asses off. Mr. Blonde had to deal with a family health emergency that took him over the equator, over the Amazon jungle, and down to the Pampas. Hell, he was within spitting distance of Antarctica. At least he got to drive a few cool European B-cars and eat a lot of prosciutto con melone. And of course, score with the kind of blonde babes you see on all those Spanish soap operas on Univision and KMEX.  
 
We've regrouped and next is the Rolls-Royce Phantom Mr White pimped around for a few days. Also, the ho-hum debuts of the LA Auto Show: can we even muster the energy to talk about any of them? And we'll be recording our comments on the previews we were given of the Detroit Auto Show design properties, such as they are. Of course, we won't break the stated embargoes, just in case any of you PR humps are sniffing around worried about what we'll do to embarrass you again. We will say that one company clearly listened to our podcast of nearly a year ago, as two of its big show cars follow exactly what we suggested, making great use of an existing platform to bring two very exciting sedans to the market. Or so we hope. Christ, those bozos need a winner sometime soon.
 
So hang on and we'll deliver more soon enough.

Mr Black

Tags: Podcasting, Rolls Royce, Phantom

Wishing all of you a very Happy Holiday season! We will post a short show next and then the show covering Rolls Royce...

Tags: Happy Holidays

Episode #013, BMW 335i Twin Turbo

Direct download: ORP-Episode013.m4a

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.

Duration: 47:22
Size: 45.60 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

BMW 335i Twin Turbo

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Episode #013, BMW 335i Twin Turbo

Direct download: ORP-Episode013_MP3.mp3

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.

Duration: 47:22
Size: 21.80 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

BMW 335i Twin Turbo

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

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

Direct download: ORP-Episode012.m4a

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.

Duration: 54:37
Size: 53.60 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Bentley Flying Spur
Bentley GT Coupe
Bentley Arnage R

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

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

Direct download: ORP-Episode012_MP3.mp3

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.

Duration: 54:38
Size: 25.10 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Bentley Flying Spur
Bentley GT Coupe
Bentley Arnage R

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Mr Blonde again here...

Reviews coming up on Bentley Flying Spur, Bentley GT, BMW 335i Turbo, and Rolls Royce Phaeton.

Stay tuned!

Episode #011, Corvette Z06 and Stingray Automobiles

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode011.m4a

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.

Duration: 44:33
Size: 42.90 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Corvette Z06

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Episode #011, Corvette Z06 and Stingray Automobiles

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode011_MP3.mp3

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.

Duration: 44:33
Size: 20.50 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Corvette Z06

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Episode #010, VW Eos and VW GTI

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode010.m4a

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.

Duration: 49:15
Size: 47.50 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

VW GTI
VW Eos

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Episode #010, VW Eos and VW GTI

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode010_MP3.mp3

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.

Duration: 49:15
Size: 45.13 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

VW GTI
VW Eos

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Mr Blonde here...

The up and coming shows will cover the VW Eos and GTI, the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur, and the Corvette Z06. Episode #010 will be up this holiday weekend.

Stay tuned!

Let us know where you are from. Place a pin on our Frappr map.

Tags: Frappr

Episode #009, Alternative Fuels

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode009_MP3.mp3

Alternative fuels, from Mercedes Blutec to liquid hydrogen BMWs.

Duration: 45:34
Size: 41.80 mb
Format: MP3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Mr Blonde here...

Soon we will release Episode 9 which will cover alternative fuels, from Mercedes Blutec to liquid hydrogen BMWs. And for Episode 10, we will discuss the Corvette ZO6 and Bentley Continental test drives.

Stay tuned!

Episode #008, Sports Cars

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode008.m4a

Ferrari and Porsche at Geneva, Plus AMG and Its New Engine Strategy.

Duration: 23:07
Size: 13.9 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ferrari 599
Porsche GT3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Episode #008, Sports Cars

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode008_MP3.mp3

Ferrari and Porsche at Geneva, Plus AMG and Its New Engine Strategy.

Duration: 23:07
Size: 21.19 mb
Format: MP3

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Ferrari 599
Porsche GT3

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

Mr. Blonde again. We were thinking of releasing the show on MP3 along with the Enhanced version. If we do, we can release the episodes much quickly. The benefit of having the Enhanced version is that you can see the photos of the automobiles we are discussing. Please post your comments about this and we can then decide if its worth doing releasing on MP3 or any other formats you want to see.

Hello All,

Mr. Blonde here. Sorry for the delay in getting the episodes out. We have recently upgraded our podcasting gear and have incorporated a new FireWire Mackie Onyx mixer, Samson Expander/Gate Compressor/Limiter, and new Mics. I should have episode 8 and 9 out within the next week or so. Stay tuned...

Please stay tuned as Episode 8 is about to be published.

Episode #007, Chicago Auto Show

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode007.m4a

Mr Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White discuss a range of vehicles debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. Mr. Blonde tends the Wurlitzer. None of us can fucking believe it's taken so long to finish this. Too much work. Fuckin' eh. This podcasting shit takes up a lot of time.

Duration: 34:21
Size: 18.1 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Show Notes:
Here are photos of the key vehicles discussed in this episode...

Dodge Caliber SRT4
VW A Concept

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

In episodes 7, 8, and 9, Mr. Black and Mr. White discuss new cars unveiled at Chicago and Geneva, Mercedes' innovative Blutec Diesel technology, take a really boring sojourn through the world of alternative fuels, then discuss what is arguably the greatest racing movie ever, Frankenheimer's Grand Prix.

Today, we launched our new look. Watch the navigation bar as more options and functionality will be coming soon.

We are currently redesigning our website. Stay Tuned! By the way, Episode #007 is just around the corner, nearing the apex...

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

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

Episodes #5 and #6, which continue our discussion of the Ford Mediocrity Company, are in final edits right now. We just need to add final photos to the enhanced version. We have set-up a Frappr map so if you want in the gang, stake your place on the map. There is a link to the Frappr map under the Syndication links of our site. If you want to leave comments--for instance, if you think we're completely full of shit and can't keep it to yourself--post your comments or email us at openroadpodcast@gmail.com. Mr. Blonde and Mr. Black will snap back the slides on their kick-ass Sigs and fire right back at you.

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

The next open road podcast will cover Ford Motor Company, also known as the Ford Mediocrity Company, Ford Meeting Company and the Ford MBA Company. Mr. Black and Mr. White discuss platform and component-set strategies that might produce Ford cars and trucks Americans might actually pay full retail to own. And of course, Mr. Black and Mr White use several Ford execs as whipping boys. Comments on the demise of the Ford Special Vehicle Team, too, and what that says about the stupidity of Ford management.

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

2006 North American International Auto Show, AKA The Detroit Show. Commentary and Discussion.

Direct download: OpenRoadPodcast-Episode002.m4a

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.

Duration: 31:28
Size: 14.9 mb
Format: Enhanced M4A

Tags: Open Road Podcast, OpenRoadPodcast, Podcast, Automotive

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