Favorite Cars of 2025: Mercedes AMG GT vs. Porsche 911 & Listener Mailbag

Favorite Cars of 2025

• 💡 Hannah Elliot names the Mercedes AMG GT63 SE Performance as her favorite car driven in 2025, highlighting its hybrid powertrain, over 800 horsepower, and competitive pricing against the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
• 🚀 The AMG GT63 is described as a serious car with over 1,000 pound-feet of torque, offering performance comparable to exotics like Lamborghini and Ferrari, while remaining a livable daily driver.
• 🚗 Matt Miller's favorite was the Porsche 911 Carrera T, appreciating its manual transmission and sufficient 380 horsepower for daily use, though he notes its increasing price point.
• 🔑 Both hosts acknowledge the difficulty in choosing a single favorite car, emphasizing that cars are tools for specific tasks, making comparisons subjective.

The Evolving Definition of Luxury Cars

• 🚗 Scott's email highlights the shift in luxury car definition from traditional materials to software and hardware integration.
• ⚙️ He advocates for simplicity and good hardware over excessive tech, preferring analog gauges and manual handbrakes.
• 🗣️ Both hosts agree on the importance of well-integrated technology, like voice commands and seamless software, but maintain a preference for analog controls where possible.
• 🖱️ The discussion touches on the trend of car manufacturers moving away from physical buttons and dials towards touchscreens and digital controls, with a listener email detailing a conversion of a GTI from digital to manual buttons.

Listener Mailbag & Porsche Discussions

• ✉️ Listener emails sparked conversations about specific car models, including the Porsche 997.1 vs. 997.2 generations, discussing engine differences, bore scoring issues, and maintenance.
• 🔧 The idea of retrofitting modern technology, like Porsche Classic radios or custom audio setups, into older models was explored.
• 💡 A listener named Kevin suggested replacing the head unit with an open cubby and hiding electronics, a concept Matt supports.
• 🗣️ The conversation also touched on the potential return of manual transmissions in future Ferrari models, with a tease for an upcoming interview with Doug DeMuro.

Future of Automotive Tech and Trends

• 🔌 The discussion extended to the potential for battery retrofitting in electric vehicles, with skepticism about the feasibility due to manufacturing constraints.
• 🚗 The hosts express interest in interviewing tier-one suppliers like Bosch and Denso to gain insights into automotive component manufacturing.
• 🌐 Matt Miller will be attending CES, highlighting the intersection of automotive and technology, and encourages listeners to connect with him there.