Drive Thru News #72 - When is Technology too much Tech?

Break/Fix’s Drive Thru News returns with banter about Brad’s right-shoulder surgery and a broader discussion on when car tech becomes too much, sparked by Tesla giving Grok AI control of vehicle settings. A Pacifica check-engine light leads to complaints about opaque diagnostic codes, printed manuals, and expensive infotainment upgrades like a $2,000 Uconnect swap. The hosts connect soaring diesel prices to data centers that rely on massive diesel backup generators, then criticize VW/Audi trends such as in-car game subscriptions, an EV “GTI,” factory closures, SEAT’s discontinuation, ugly new designs, and “quattro ultra” complexity. They touch on rumors of a 300-hp AWD Mazdaspeed3, evaluate Kia’s K4 hatchback power figures, discuss Chinese EVs, and note car-buying advice generated by ChatGPT favoring a Mazda CX-50. The episode also covers Cybertruck defects, TV viewing, new automotive books/films, collectibles, Florida-man driving stories, IROC and IndyCar notes, sim-racing updates, Lemons prep, site updates, and network announcements. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00:00 Brad's Shoulder Surgery & Anesthesia Car Dreams 00:03:54 When Tech Goes Too Far 00:06:20 Why Cars Hide Diagnostics: The Pacifica's Mystery Code 00:13:34 Data Centers Burn Diesel? 00:20:13 VW In-Car Games, Why? 00:28:17 Electric GTI Controversy 00:31:55 We ask AI to redesign the Corrado 00:34:48 Audi Design and "Quattro Ultra" 00:41:06 "Peak Car" 2004 Debate 00:43:23 DSG Tech Gone Wrong, Speed Limits & GPS Lockouts 00:46:47 Mark 4 Golf is the G.O.A.T. 00:48:57 AI Mitsubishi Starion GSR Dreams 00:52:38 Mazdaspeed3 Rumor Mill 00:54:16 Kia K4 Power Reality Check 01:02:05 Chinese EVs and Renault Concepts 01:03:55 ChatGPT Car Shopping Story: What Would You Buy? 01:12:46 The Horsepower Perspective Check: Torque Versus Feel 01:19:27 Cybertruck Warranty Drama 01:20:08 New Grand Tour Review 01:22:43 New Books and Documentaries 01:25:41 Rich People Gift Picks 01:31:00 Florida Man Roundup 01:40:52 Motorsport Headlines 01:43:12 Sim Racing Updates 01:48:18 GTM Trackside Report 01:51:34 Shoutouts, Sponsor Credits, and Outro ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram