CarStuff
852 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 541 ratingsDid Bonnie and Clyde really write to Henry Ford to thank him for his fast, reliable getaway cars? Do you ever wonder what happens at the DirtFish Rally School? What's a tether car? The CarStuff show has explored these and literally hundreds of other fascinating topics to explain how some of the most amazing machines on land, sea and air actually work. So whether you want to know more about hearses or circus trains, salt flat racers or the popemobile, Scott Benjamin has you covered.
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Episodes
This is... "Choosing Sides: F1"
July 28, 2022 07:01 - 2 minutes - 2.29 MBWhat’s the deal with Formula 1 racing? Is it just a bunch of European adrenaline junkies with a death wish? And how does it differ from something like the American-based NASCAR or IndyCar series? In reality, there’s way more to it. F1 combines some of the world’s great engineering feats, drivers with the athleticism of Olympians, and a captivating billionaire's playground. But while there’s never a dull moment in this sport, how do you even get started as a viewer? Comedian Michael Kosta (Th...
Tesla's Ventilator - When Car Companies Help In Times of Crisis
April 14, 2020 07:01 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBIn this episode of CarStuff, Ben and Kurt discuss the amazing adaptations that car companies can make when called upon by circumstance. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10 Least Likely and Weird Race Cars of All Time
April 07, 2020 07:01 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBRace cars often take on some outlandish designs and rule-bending technology in their never-ending quest to go fast. Meet some of the more notable characters in the ragtag gang of unlikely speed demons. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Texas Mile
March 31, 2020 07:01 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBImagine a mile of open pavement in front of you, and no fear of a speeding ticket or jail time. Seems like a dream, but it’s a reality for drivers at The Texas Mile. Listen in as Scott and Kurt describe why the Texas Mile is such a unique test of speed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Nürburgring
March 24, 2020 07:01 - 45 minutes - 42 MBIt’s 12.9 miles of test-track that the auto manufacturers love to use as a standard for performance. But why there? Scott and Kurt explore some of the more colorful characteristics of The 'Ring, and fill you in on some tips that you can employ to stay safe if you wish to test your mettle on "The Green Hell". Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Affordable Garage Updates
March 17, 2020 07:01 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBWe’ve all seen the million-dollar garages that include vehicle turntables, elevators, museum-quality lighting and other fancy, expensive luxuries. Well, since none of us here at CarStuff can afford those extravagances, we’d like to share some inexpensive tips-and-tricks we’ve found to make your garage a more comfortable, and more functional, place to spend some quality time with your vehicle. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listen...
The Petersen Automotive Museum
March 10, 2020 07:01 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBBen has returned from his most-recent West Coast trip with plenty of stories from the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, Calif. Learn all about the founders, Robert and Margie Petersen, the history of the building itself, the $100-million renovation, and, of course, the incredible collection of vehicles that spans over 120 years of automotive history. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it time to repave Atlanta Motor Speedway?
March 03, 2020 08:01 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBJoin Scott, Kurt and Ben as they recap their recent visit to the Atlanta Motor Speedway – a 1.54-mile, quad-oval track that has remained on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule since 1960. After a couple laps around the banked turns, the guys were able to get out and examine the track’s well-aged surface and learn from track president, Ed Clark, how it’s remained race-ready for the last 23 years – without a repave. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omny...
Ultralight Aircraft
February 25, 2020 08:01 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBThe allure of an ultralight aircraft is undeniable. Flying a small, hand-built aircraft off into the Wild Blue Yonder is a dream that many hobbyists have realized. Join Scott, Ben and Kurt as they talk about the good, the bad and the unusual aspects of ultralight flight. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dash Cams
February 18, 2020 08:01 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBDashboard-mounted cameras, also known as dash cams, are relatively inexpensive to buy, easy to install and practical to own. Join Scott, Ben and Kurt as they discuss some of the more rational reasons to own a dash cam, like saving you from insurance scammers, hit-and-run drivers and parking lot vandals. And, as you might expect, they also have a bit of fun talking about some of those crazy dash cam videos out of Russia! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.c...
Famous Car Collectors
February 11, 2020 08:01 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBWe all know about Jay Leno’s amazing car collection – he’s a well-known gearhead; but what about some of the other celebrities who are also into cars? They often have the time and money to amass impressive collections, too. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Electric Scooters
February 04, 2020 08:01 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBCity governments know them as sharable, dockless mobility devices. The rest of us call them electric scooters. Whether you’re a fan of the micromobility movement or not, you have to admit they’ve made us all think differently about our urban transport options. Join Scott and Kurt as they examine the electric scooter craze, and consider making some quick cash as Bird Catchers or Lime Juicers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listene...
Junkyard Etiquette
January 28, 2020 08:01 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBA trip to the junkyard can be a lot of fun, but it can also end in frustration. Scattered parts, missing hardware and needlessly broken components can quickly turn your treasure hunt into a waste of time. Is there a proper way to conduct yourself in a junkyard? Are there tactics you can use that are courteous to other salvage-yard-seekers as they comb through the wrecks? Have a listen as Scott and Kurt discuss the current junkyard scene, and share a few tips regarding appropriate junkyard ma...
What Happened to the Daredevil Showmen?
January 21, 2020 08:01 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBAre stunts perceived as even more dangerous and spectacular if they’re well-promoted and built-up ahead of time? Join Scott, Ben and Kurt as they ask: What happened to the attention-seekers; the daredevil showmen of the past? Is there a modern stunt performer with the flair and audacity of Evel Knievel? And, has anyone seen The Human Fly? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 2020 Corvette
January 14, 2020 08:01 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBAlso known as the C8 (8th generation), the 2020 Corvette is Chevrolet’s all-new mid-engine sports car – the one they’ve teased us with for more than 50 years. Is it the best Corvette GM has ever built? Find out what Scott, Ben and Kurt think of the redesigned icon. Plus, Ben announces his Escape. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bike Life Rideouts
January 07, 2020 08:01 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBIf you’ve never witnessed a Bike Life Rideout…well, maybe now is a good time to do a quick search on YouTube. When dozens, or sometimes hundreds, of stunt performing dirt-bike and ATV riders take over the city streets of America’s largest and most-populated urban centers, there’s usually some fallout. Listen-in as Scott, Ben and Kurt discuss their thoughts on the Bike Life scene. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
The Toyota Automobile Museum – Japan
December 31, 2019 08:01 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBIn this episode of CarStuff, Ben provides us with firsthand information of his recent trip to Japan, including his visit to the Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute, a neighboring city of Nagoya, Japan. Viewing an impressive collection of cars from around the world (not just Toyota-built vehicles) and spanning the entire 20th century (including a few years before, and a few years after), made it a day worth sharing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com S...
Iditarod Part 2
December 24, 2019 08:01 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBIn part 2 of the Iditarod conversation, join Scott, Ben and Kurt as they highlight some of the aspects of the race that set it apart from any other sled dog race on the planet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iditarod Part 1
December 17, 2019 08:01 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBReferred to as "The Last Great Race On Earth," the Iditarod hearkens back to a time before the automobile, airplane and railroad; when travel over the frozen, far reaches of Alaska had to be undertaken with precision. On well-traveled trails cut through mountainsides, woods and open expanses, mushers and their trusty teams of sled dogs would glide in order to transport necessities. Join the Carstuff crew as they discuss some of the history of the worlds most famous sled dog race. Learn mor...
Iditarod: Part 1
December 17, 2019 08:01 - 36 minutesReferred to as "The Last Great Race On Earth," the Iditarod hearkens back to a time before the automobile, airplane and railroad; when travel over the frozen, far reaches of Alaska had to be undertaken with precision. On well-traveled trails cut through mountainsides, woods and open expanses, mushers and their trusty teams of sled dogs would glide in order to transport necessities. Join the Carstuff crew as they discuss some of the history of the worlds most famous sled dog race. Learn more ...
RoRos
December 10, 2019 08:01 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode of CarStuff, Ben and Kurt explore the wondrous world of RoRo shipping vessels, and Ben ponders traveling exclusively by sea. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Tesla Cybertruck
December 03, 2019 08:01 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBListen as the Carstuff crew give you a rundown of Tesla's Cybertruck unveiling event held on November 21, 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Road Debris
November 26, 2019 08:01 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBWhat is a road stove? From car parts like tires, and headlight glass, to fluids such as oil and coolant, and yes, even household appliances, it all can become road debris. Listen in as the CarStuff crew discuss some memorable road debris stories, and just how our roadways keep from becoming landfills. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cost of Traffic
November 19, 2019 08:01 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThere is enough gridlock out there to drive even the coolest car-loving commuter over a cliff, and traffic costs us much more than our minds. Listen to find out just how much modern-day logjams actually cost. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Rise and Fall of the El Camino
November 12, 2019 08:01 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBIt's a car! It's a truck! No! It's an El Camino! Listen as CarStuff crew discuss the venerable Chevy El Camino, and mull the future comeback of the light-utility pickup truck. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cars of Breaking Bad
November 05, 2019 12:34 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBThe CarStuff crew discuss some of the cars featured in AMC's acclaimed television series Breaking Bad. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Orphan Cars
October 29, 2019 07:01 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBWhat’s an orphan car? It’s a car whose parent company is defunct…out of business…no longer building cars. And while there is some confusion over the definition of what makes a car a “true” orphan car, the owners of those cars remain proud of their vehicles. In fact, there are even car shows that showcase these left-behind makes and models. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Golf Cart Communities
October 22, 2019 11:12 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBYou might be surprised to learn that the first golf cart community in the U.S. was set-up in 1960 in Sun City, Arizona. A lot has changed since then, but golf cart communities are still popping-up all over the country – especially in the south – and more and more cities are allowing golf carts access to the city streets. Listen in to find out what it takes to make a golf cart street-legal and learn the differences between golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs). Learn more about your ad-c...
The 2019 Ford Ranger
October 15, 2019 07:01 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBThe Ford Ranger has been out of production (in the U.S., anyway) since 2011, and ever since it went away, Ford owners have wanted it to return. In 2019, they got their wish. But will the return of the Ford Ranger satisfy the needs of small pickup truck owners? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not An RV Hit Piece
October 08, 2019 07:01 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBThe Great Recession created a perfect storm for the RV industry. As the industry tries to emerge from the abyss of a systemic crisis, customers should be extra-vigilant in their quest to reside on the road. Listen as the Carstuff duo give you a snapshot of RVing in 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Outrageous 70's Hot Rods
October 01, 2019 16:15 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBA toilet as a driver's seat? A car built upon a 19th century funeral coach? The late 60's, and early 70's was a far-out era for custom hot rods. Listen as Scott welcomes a new voice to CarStuff, and join them on a wacky trip into a carscape that time forgot. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Best of the Worst Cars Ever Built
September 24, 2019 04:01 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBSome of the cars on this list have a redeeming quality or two. Most don’t. Listen in to see if you agree as Scott takes you through a list of some of the best of the worst cars ever to hit the showroom floor. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Bricklin SV-1
September 17, 2019 04:01 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBSometimes called the “other” gullwing car, the Bricklin SV-1 was a Canadian-built sportscar with occupant safety as priority one. It was a short-lived experiment with production only lasting a couple of years. Of equal interest is the American businessman responsible for making the car a reality, Malcolm Bricklin. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing The Fast Track
August 01, 2019 04:01 - 59 secondsThe Fast Track is a show that highlights anything and everything that allows us to go fast. It’s about the past, present and future of racing, including the machines and the racers themselves. It’s also about the technology of cutting-edge engines and engineering used both on the track and off. Find out what makes cars faster, who drives them…and why. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
The 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe - CSX2287
December 27, 2017 17:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBIn 1971, a successful race car from the mid-1960s was driven into a California storage unit, and then forgotten by almost everyone for the next 30 years. But that’s not the most interesting part of this car’s story, to say the least. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Pedestrian Safety Shapes Your Car
December 20, 2017 17:00 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBIn crowded city streets, where people and cars share the same space, pedestrian-automobile accidents are simply unavoidable. But did you know those collisions, many of them fatal, have influenced the way your entire car is designed? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Surprising History of the Crime of Jaywalking
December 13, 2017 17:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBNearly 100 years ago the crime of “jaywalking” was created. But do you want to know the most surprising part of the story? It’s the groups responsible for getting this law on the books in the first place. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Best and Worst States and Cities for Car Owners
December 06, 2017 17:00 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBWe promise, this is not a rerun! Although similar to a topic we covered a few months ago, we’ve shifted our focus from driving a car to car-ownership for this latest ranking of the best and worst states and cities. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Worst Places in the World to Buy a Car
November 29, 2017 17:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBIf you’re a car enthusiast, consider the countries mentioned in this episode as a list of places that you don’t ever want to live. Listen in as the CarStuff guys talk about some of the worst (and most expensive) places in the world to buy a car. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Private Railroad Cars
November 22, 2017 17:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBDid you know that you can buy, own and operate a private, antique rail car? It’s a great way to recapture some of the grace, sophistication and style that cross-country travel held decades ago. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The World’s Rarest Cars
November 15, 2017 17:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBIt probably won’t surprise you that some of the rarest cars in the world are also some of the most expensive cars in the world – but there are a few exceptions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do automakers camouflage cars?
November 08, 2017 17:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBThe camouflage that automakers meticulously design to conceal new vehicles only seems to make them stand out from everything else on the road. Isn’t that the opposite of what camo is supposed to do? Why bother using camouflage at all? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Porsche Passport and Other Car Subscription Services
November 01, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBDon’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of this sort of thing. At this point, car subscription services haven’t really haven’t been around all that long. Join Scott and Ben as they delve into this relatively new way for automakers to do business. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn to Drive a Ford Model T in 2018
October 25, 2017 16:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBOne Michigan museum is offering you the chance to get behind the wheel of an antique Model T for a driving lesson. Listen in as Scott and Ben tell you where it’s happening, and what you can expect from this unusual driver’s training course. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is your car boring?
October 18, 2017 16:00 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBDon't blame the design engineers! They're just one of several groups that play a role in car design and production. Join Scott and Ben as they discuss some surprising (and not-so-surprising) reasons why a lot of cars are simply ... well, boring. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will California ban internal combustion-powered cars?
October 11, 2017 16:00 - 1 hour - 72.5 MBCalifornia wants to rid its roadways of all combustion engine-powered cars. But does the state really have the authority to ban the internal combustion engine? Listen in as Scott and Ben talk about California’s proposed plan to go all-electric. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not Quite Dead Yet
October 04, 2017 16:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBWhen a car or truck is discontinued, those models don’t just magically disappear from dealer inventory. Sometimes it takes a long, long time to clear-out the old to make room for the new. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NASCAR’s Hawk-Eye Monitoring System
September 27, 2017 16:00 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MBIf you’re familiar with NASCAR, then you know the chaos sometimes associated with pit road. Listen in as Scott and Ben discuss how NASCAR’s Hawk-Eye camera system monitors the action. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hurricane Flood Cars and How to Avoid Buying One
September 20, 2017 16:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBUp to one million cars and trucks have been damaged in the flood waters left behind by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Listen in as Scott and Ben tell you how to avoid buying a hurricane damaged car or truck. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hassle Cars
September 13, 2017 16:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBHave you ever owned a car that continually made you feel anxious and unsure about the next mile due to its lack of reliability? Some cars seem to be trouble right from the start, while others become a burden later on. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.