Car Chat

Luca Betti, founder and CEO of Kimera Automobili, is a former professional rally driver who now specializes in creating exceptional restomod vehicles, reviving iconic rally legends through modern engineering and innovation.

Luca discusses his early career in rallying, sharing pivotal experiences from competing internationally and his transition into entrepreneurship. He reveals the inspiration and meticulous development process behind Kimera Automobili’s acclaimed Evo 37 restomod, designed to honour the legendary rally car with contemporary performance.

https://www.kimera-automobili.com

Luca also shares details about Kimera's latest projects, including the four-wheel-drive Evo 38 and the ambitious K39 project aimed at Pikes Peak. He emphasises his team's commitment to authenticity, combining classic motorsport heritage with cutting-edge automotive technology to deliver thrilling driving experiences.

Enjoy.

Show Notes

00:00 The Journey of a Racing Driver

02:54 From Rally Driver to Entrepreneur

06:07 Memorable Moments in Rallying

09:08 Transitioning to Team Management

11:53 Creating the Kimera Evo 37

15:05 The Evolution of Classic Cars

17:55 Engineering the Perfect Performance

20:57 Balancing Tradition and Innovation

24:13 Driving Experience and Daily Usability

28:46 The Evolution of Car Dynamics

32:19 Introducing the Evo 38: A New Era

36:57 The K39 Project: A Return to Motorsport

40:14 Challenges and Triumphs in Car Manufacturing

47:26 Memorable Journeys and Dream Cars

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Riccardo Quaggio is the founder and creative force behind Totem Automobili. Riccardo shares his journey from being a designer at Alfa Romeo to launching a brand that builds fully re-engineered, handcrafted Alfa Romeo Giulia GT restomods with modern technology, custom-built engines, and obsessive attention to detail.

https://totemautomobili.com/

We discuss how Totem began with an electric restomod before shifting focus to an ultra-lightweight twin-turbo V6 version, the challenges of designing an entire car—including a custom carbon fibre monocoque, a completely new suspension, and a bespoke engine—and why something as seemingly simple as designing a door can be harder than making an engine from scratch.

Riccardo also explains the complexities of homologation, crash testing, European regulations, the trade-offs between petrol and EV, and the excruciating attention to comfort and drivability he desires in his builds.

Show Notes:

00:00 The Golden Era of Car Design

02:01 From Designer to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins

06:08 Reimagining the Alfa Romeo: The Restomod Concept

10:01 Building a Car from Scratch: The Engine Development

13:48 Navigating Regulations: Crash Testing and Compliance

20:02 Electric vs. Petrol: Understanding Customer Preferences

24:04 Challenges in Electric Vehicle Development

30:05 Balancing Comfort and Performance in Car Design

34:32 Developing Traction Control and Customization Options

38:00 Innovative Engine Design and Performance Goals

44:26 Challenges in Scaling Production and Supplier Relations

48:28 Future Developments and Customer Satisfaction

50:19 Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Preferences

56:39 Dream Garage: A Blend of Classic and Modern Cars

#AlfaRomeo #TotemAutomobili #CarChatPodcast #Restomod #AutomotiveDesign

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This week we are joined by Daniel Morad, professional racing driver and AMG factory driver, to dive into his journey from karting at eight years old to competing on the world’s biggest endurance racing stages. We talk about his early days in go-karting, the challenges of moving through the ranks, and the intense physical demands of racing – including how he bulked up his neck to survive 5G corners!

https://moradness.com/

Daniel shares the highs and lows of his career, from winning championships and being a Red Bull Junior Driver to dealing with career setbacks, pivoting into sports car racing, and ultimately landing a factory role with Mercedes-AMG. We explore the business side of motorsport, the hustle behind finding sponsors, and how he revived his racing career after years away from the track.

He also dives into his work with Moradness, his motorsport lifestyle brand, and how sim racing plays a role in his training today.

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Reluctance Towards Data

00:24 Journey into Motorsport

03:54 The Dynamics of Karting

08:23 Understanding Karting Mechanics

10:08 Transitioning to Formula Cars

15:11 The Challenge of Increased Power

19:30 Navigating Competitive Racing

20:24 The Reality of Racing Politics

30:27 Endurance Racing Insights

32:03 The Journey to Sports Car Racing

34:26 Winning the Rolex 24: A Career Milestone

36:54 Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence

42:33 The Importance of Networking and Sponsorships

48:50 Navigating the Financial Realities of Racing

56:25 Driving Techniques: Mastering the Cup Cars

01:01:04 The Role of Data in Racing Performance

01:11:30 Sim Racing: A New Frontier in Driver Development

01:13:11 The Evolution of Sim Racing Equipment

01:19:07 Driving Techniques and Sim Racing Dynamics

01:25:36 The Debate of Sim Racing Realism

01:31:17 Experiences in Real Racing

01:36:48 Memorable Driving Experiences and Car Preferences

#CarChatPodcast #DanielMorad #AMG #EnduranceRacing #SimRacing #Moradness #Motorsport

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This week we sit down with Tim Dutton, the man behind Ivan Dutton, a specialist restoration business dedicated to pre-war Bugattis. Tim shares his deep-rooted family history in motorsport and Bugatti restoration, tracing back to his grandfather’s time as a riding mechanic at Brooklands.

https://www.duttonbugatti.co.uk/

The conversation covers the intricacies of restoring and maintaining these historic machines, from the engineering brilliance of Ettore Bugatti to the evolving world of vintage car ownership and racing. Tim explains the differences in Grand Prix Bugattis, the art of engine tuning, and the challenges of recreating rare parts with old-school techniques.

From driving a Bugatti 35 down to Monaco for the historic GP to racing in the Le Mans Classic at sunrise, Tim’s stories highlight the passion, skill, and dedication required to keep these legendary cars alive. They also touch on the evolution of historic racing, the impact of modern technology, and how the market for classic Bugattis has changed over the years.

If you love vintage motorsport, engineering craftsmanship, or just great car stories, there is lots here.

Show Notes:

00:00 The Allure of Le Mans and Vintage Racing

03:00 A Family Legacy in Bugatti Restoration

06:04 The Evolution of Motor Racing

08:57 Understanding Bugatti Ownership

12:05 The Artistic Vision Behind Bugatti

14:55 Restoration Processes and Challenges

18:04 Tailoring Cars to Drivers' Needs

21:13 Driving Experience of Vintage Grand Prix Cars

23:50 The Technical Aspects of Racing Bugattis

27:02 Modern Challenges in Restoration and Engineering

30:50 Understanding Advance / Retard in Classic Cars

32:36 Modernizing Pre-War Cars for Comfort

35:26 Restoration Challenges: Balancing Authenticity and Modern Standards

39:32 The Evolution of Machining and Restoration Techniques

42:43 Navigating the Market for Classic Bugatti Cars

51:40 Racing Dynamics: The Importance of Authenticity

56:12 Testing Classic Cars: Challenges and Solutions

59:15 Iconic Bugatti Models and Their Features

01:01:03 The Challenges of Racing on Open Roads

01:02:28 The Thrill of Trialing and Endurance Racing

01:04:55 The Bonds Formed Through Racing

01:06:32 The Art of Engine Turning and Car Restoration

01:09:10 The Dilemma of Concours Restoration

01:12:49 The Stories Behind Historic Cars

01:15:22 The Evolution of Bugatti and Its Legacy

01:20:34 The Future of Bugatti in Modern Automotive Culture

01:30:02 Memorable Driving Experiences and Dream Cars

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Marlon Goldberg shares his journey from car dealerships to founding Workshop 5001, diving into Porsche restoration, car culture, and the importance of technical knowledge in sales. We cover the philosophy behind Workshop 5001 and what makes these cars so special.

https://workshop5001.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Porsche Restoration Landscape

02:58 Marlon Goldberg: Journey into Porsche Restoration

06:13 The Evolution of Car Dealerships

09:01 From Sales to Operations: A Career Shift

11:47 Building Relationships in the Car Business

15:10 The Singer Experience: Crafting Classic Cars

17:56 Starting Workshop 5001: A New Venture

20:47 Navigating the Challenges of Car Restoration

23:57 The Importance of Technical Knowledge in Sales

26:53 Building Cars: The First Projects

30:11 The Philosophy of Restoration

33:01 The Future of Car Restoration and Education

49:02 The Challenges of Sympathetic Restoration

52:23 Personalized Client Engagement in Car Restoration

55:10 Documentation and Quality Assurance in Restorations

01:00:54 Engine Building: Techniques and Innovations

01:06:50 Client Expectations and the Evolution of Air-Cooled Engines

01:12:03 Collaboration and Innovation in Custom Builds

01:19:12 Performance and Practicality in Modern Builds

01:24:22 Memorable Journeys and Personal Reflections

01:30:03 Market Trends and Undervalued Cars

01:34:49 The Future of Automotive Technology and Electric Cars

01:36:34 The Ideal Five-Car Garage

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Gordian Von Schöning (CTO at HWA) joins us for a chat about his journey with HWA. We cover what goes on at this impressive company, a bit about it's genesis and the projects along the way including their new HWA Evo. This is not your average restomod.

https://www.hwalegacy.com/

https://www.hwaag.com/en/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 Rethinking Restomodding

00:49 Gordian's Engineering Journey

03:07 HWA's Legacy in Motorsports

05:56 The Evolution of HWA

08:48 Technology in DTM Racing

12:13 The Relationship Between Racing and Road Cars

14:53 HWA's Role in Road Car Development

18:12 Customer Racing Dynamics

21:05 Balancing Performance and Usability

23:55 The Impact of Balance of Performance (BOP)

26:53 HWA's Shift to Road Car Projects

31:49 The Evolution of the HWA Evo

36:43 Design Philosophy and Customer Involvement

41:05 Powertrain and Performance Specifications

46:15 Weight Management and Engineering Challenges

50:34 Production Plans and Future Projects

52:53 Unique Features and Market Positioning

54:19 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

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Craig Callum, Senior Design Manager at Hot Wheels (@cforcraig), joins us for a fascinating conversation about his journey through the automotive and toy industries. From dreaming of being a car designer at age five to working at MG Rover, Lego, and now Hot Wheels, Craig has always been driven by creativity. We discuss his time freelancing for Lego while snowboarding in the Alps, his role in creating the popular Speed Champions line, and how he's now leading the design of Hot Wheels' iconic mini cars.

Craig shares insights into designing cars both big and small, the challenges of scaling car designs for toys, and even how Hot Wheels projects inspire real car manufacturers. He also reveals his personal love for hot rods, his Ford Model A builds, and his perspective on car culture in Los Angeles.

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey to Car Design

02:57 The Evolution of Design Thinking

06:11 The Role of Imagination in Design

09:01 Hot Wheels: Merging Fantasy and Reality

11:50 The Challenges of Scale in Design

15:07 The Experience of Studying Car Design

17:57 Career Path: From Internships to Design

20:50 The Transition to Freelancing and Lego

24:05 Designing for Lego: A New Adventure

26:57 The Impact of Design on User Experience

30:10 Speed Champions: Bridging Cars and Lego

33:01 The Future of Design and Personal Passion

44:39 The Evolution of Adult Lego Fans

48:02 Sam's Journey at Lego and Speed Champions

52:55 Transitioning to Hot Wheels

56:21 Life on the Road: Building a Camper Van

01:00:15 Managing Design at Hot Wheels

01:06:53 The Hot Wheels Legends Tour and Community Engagement

01:12:41 Personal Car Collection and Experiences

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Bruce Wood is the Managing Director of Cosworth. Bruce shares his journey from starting at Cosworth as a graduate in 1987 to leading the company through iconic projects like the Cosworth Sierra, IndyCar engines, and modern hypercars like the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

https://www.cosworth.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Passion for Engineering and Design

02:55 Bruce Wood's Journey at Cosworth

05:50 The Evolution of Cosworth in Motor Racing

09:12 The Impact of Technology on Engine Design

12:07 From Graduate to Managing Director

15:00 The Challenges of Motor Racing

17:54 The Phases of Cosworth's Business

20:47 Experiences During Ford Ownership

24:09 The Wilderness Years and Reinvention

27:05 The Hypercar Era and Future Directions

39:34 The Shift in Sponsorship Dynamics

42:27 The Evolution of Powertrains in Racing

44:51 Navigating Challenges in a Competitive Landscape

46:46 The Transition to Hypercars

49:42 The Role of Consultancy in Automotive Engineering

51:11 The Jaguar CX-75 Project

56:35 Understanding Hybrid Powertrains

01:01:21 The Bugatti Evolution and Performance Goals

01:05:12 Developing the Valkyrie Engine

01:17:31 The Complexity of Engine Design

01:19:24 The Philosophy Behind Hypercars

01:23:19 Challenges in Emissions and Engine Design

01:27:12 The Future of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

01:32:35 The Evolution of Engine Technology

01:36:30 The Appeal of Hypercars

01:39:01 The Current Era of V12 Hypercars

01:42:51 The Role of Cosworth in Hypercar Development

01:46:18 The Future of Engine Design

01:49:13 Memorable Driving Experiences

01:51:39 Undervalued Cars and Personal Favorites

01:53:08 Innovative Car Designs and Future Trends

01:55:03 The Ultimate Dream Garage

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Robin Shute is an engineer and 4x Pikes Peak Champion. He competes in the top class with his Wolf based racer. Robin joins me at home for a chat about Pikes Peak, racing, his engineering background and his upcoming car designed to smash records. A great chat with some real depth.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://www.instagram.com/robin.shute/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@thesendyclub

Show Notes:

Chapters

00:00 The Basics of Engineering and Racing

00:46 Robin Shute: A Racing Journey

04:00 Early Influences and Career Path

07:48 Tesla: The Early Days of Innovation

11:57 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles

16:11 The Importance of Team Size in Racing

18:06 The Birth of the Wolf Racing Team

21:54 Pikes Peak: The Challenge of the Mountain

26:10 The Technical Aspects of Racing Cars

30:02 The Development of the Wolf Car

33:52 Pushing the Limits of Speed

39:12 Engineering Innovations and Challenges

43:03 The Decision to Build a New Car

49:27 The Case Against Electric Vehicles

55:07 Exploring the Future of Race Cars

01:08:01 The Future of Autonomous Driving

01:10:27 Nitro Rallycross and the Evolution of Racing

01:12:52 Electric Vehicles in Motorsports

01:14:14 Innovations in Car Design and Engineering

01:19:02 The Simplicity of Effective Engineering

01:22:51 Driving Experience and Car Weight Dynamics

01:29:31 The Unlimited Class and Record-Breaking Aspirations

01:35:04 Memorable Journeys and Dream Cars

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