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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In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Cole, Co-Founder and Owner of King of the Hammers. Dave, a former off-road racer himself, has turned the rugged desert of Johnson Valley, California, into the ultimate proving ground for the world’s toughest drivers and machines. Known as the "toughest one-day off-road race on the planet," King of the Hammers combines high-speed desert racing with brutal rock crawling, pushing competitors to their absolute limits.

We discuss Dave’s journey from racer to race organiser, the origins of King of the Hammers, and how it grew from a casual challenge among friends into a global motorsports phenomenon. With a mix of adrenaline, innovation, and a die-hard off-road community, Dave shares the magic that makes King of the Hammers more than just a race.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://kingofthehammers.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to King of the Hammers

03:12 The Evolution of Rock Crawling and Off-Road Racing

05:59 The Technical Aspects of KOH

08:55 The Challenges of Desert Racing

11:54 The Dynamics of High-Speed Off-Roading

14:48 The Importance of Vehicle Design and Engineering

18:13 The Role of Strategy in Off-Road Racing

21:09 The Future of Off-Road Racing and Vehicle Innovation

23:50 Conclusion and Reflections on the Sport

37:46 The Evolution of KOH

50:04 Training and Preparing for KOH

01:00:20 The Impact of COVID on Off-Road Events

01:08:08 Memorable Experiences and Future Innovations

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Max Banks, one of the key figures behind Alfaholics, the world-renowned specialists in classic Alfa Romeo restorations and performance upgrades. Founded by a family with a deep passion for Alfa Romeo, Alfaholics has earned a global reputation for transforming vintage Alfas into meticulously restored and enhanced machines, blending classic beauty with cutting-edge engineering.

Max shares the story of Alfaholics, the way their parts business helps the restomods (and keeps prices down) and we took their Super for a drive.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://www.alfaholics.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alfaholicsltd/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Thrill of Lightweight Cars

02:54 Max Banks and Alfaholics: A Family Legacy

06:08 The Evolution of Alfaholics

08:58 Racing Heritage and Development

11:49 The GTA-R Program: Balancing Performance and Character

14:45 Parts Supply and Market Positioning

18:05 The Unique Business Model of Alfaholics

20:54 The Process of Building a GTA-R

24:14 Customer Relationships and Expectations

27:05 The Future of Alfaholics and Car Development

39:38 Evolution of the GTA-R and Track-Oriented Builds

42:30 Memorable Nürburgring Experiences

44:51 Driving Dynamics of the GTA-R

46:46 The Joy of Driving Lightweight Cars

47:15 Daily Drivers and the Appeal of SUVs

50:06 Changing Customer Profiles in the Automotive Market

52:02 Building and Pricing the GTA-R

54:26 Racing Adventures and Championship Wins

56:25 Driving the McLaren M6B

01:00:12 The Team Behind the Racing

01:02:40 Options Beyond the GTA-R

01:05:01 Memorable Driving Trips and Car Preferences

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Thierry Nardone is the founder and CEO of Nardone Automotive, a French company behind the restomod of the Porsche 928. Thierry’s passion for transaxle Porsches, particularly the 928, inspired him to reimagine this classic grand tourer, blending its original elegance with modern performance and luxury.

Nardone Automotive’s reinterpretation features a carbon-fiber body, a meticulously upgraded V8 engine producing approximately 400 horsepower, and a bespoke interior adorned with Foglizzo leather and Alcantara. The vehicle also boasts contemporary amenities like a Porsche Classic Communication Management system with Apple CarPlay. Thierry wants the car to drive like a sports car but also retain and improve upon the 928s ability to serve as a grand tourer with refinement not found in a 911 etc.

https://www.nardone-automotive.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nardone_automotive/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Thierry Nardone and Nardone Automotive

02:54 The Journey to Restomods: Passion and Experience

05:47 The Concept of Restomods and Initial Projects

09:10 Building a Network: Collaborations and Partnerships

12:05 Designing the Nightweight: Vision and Execution

15:01 The Launch of the Gold 928: Marketing and Reception

17:56 Defining the 928: Engineering and Aesthetics

20:48 Monterey Experience: Feedback and Future Plans

24:09 Customer Alignment: Vision and Expectations

36:35 Customer Engagement and Company Growth

37:30 Performance Goals and Engine Development

40:20 Gearbox Innovations and Torque Management

42:15 Sound Design: Balancing Comfort and Performance

44:44 Weight Management and Vehicle Dynamics

46:40 High-End Sound Systems in Resto Mods

51:00 Driving Experiences and Road Trips

01:01:07 Future Developments and Technology Integration

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Maurizio Reggiani, born on February 8, 1959, in San Martino Spino, Italy, is a distinguished automotive engineer renowned for his significant contributions to the high-performance automotive industry. He graduated from the University of Modena with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Reggiani began his career at Maserati in 1982, focusing on engine development, notably for the Maserati Biturbo. In 1987, he joined Bugatti under Paolo Stanzani, overseeing the development of the EB110’s engine, gearbox, and transmission.

In 1995, Reggiani moved to Lamborghini, leading the development of the Murciélago. By 2001, he headed research and development for powertrains and suspension. His tenure as Chief Technical Officer from 2006 saw the launch of models like the Aventador, Huracán, and Urus. In January 2022, he became Vice President of Lamborghini Motorsport, overseeing the company’s motorsport division.

In April 2023, the University of Bologna awarded Reggiani a Laurea ad Honorem, recognizing his contributions to automotive engineering.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://eccentricacars.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eccentricaofficial/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Maserati to Lamborghini

02:48 Engineering Excellence: The Bugatti Experience

06:07 Transitioning to Lamborghini: Challenges and Innovations

09:02 The Birth of the Gallardo: A New Era

11:54 The Impact of Audi Ownership on Lamborghini

14:48 Defining the Soul of Lamborghini

18:06 The Evolution of Lamborghini's Engine Technology

21:02 The Success of the Urus: A Game Changer

23:57 Future of Lamborghini: Hybridization and Beyond

54:36 Energy Storage Challenges in Automotive Engineering

58:52 The Evolution of Hypercars and Performance Expectations

01:00:44 Innovations in Resto Mods: The Eccentrica Vision

01:05:07 Balancing Tradition and Modern Technology in Car Design

01:10:32 Driving Experience: Comparing the Eccentrica to the Original Diablo

01:15:20 Challenges of Low-Volume Production in Luxury Cars

01:20:34 Customization and Personalization in High-End Automotive Projects

01:24:03 Future Prospects for Eccentrica and the Automotive Industry

01:29:25 Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Favorites

01:35:37 The Most Undervalued and Interesting Cars Today

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Sasha Selipanov is the founder of NILU27 (https://nilu27.com/), a new hypercar company focused on delivering an engaging manual V12 experience. Sasha shares his incredible journey, from designing icons like the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Huracán, and Genesis Essentia, to his latest venture with NILU27, where he aims to reshape the hypercar landscape.

We explore Sasha’s design philosophy as he talks about balancing the artistry of classical beauty with modern engineering, his hands-on approach to design, and his vision for analog, emotionally-driven sports cars. Hear stories from his remarkable journey through car design, including major stops at Bugatti, Lamborghini, Genesis, and Koenigsegg. Sasha shares insights into the creation of the Gemera and CC850 at Koenigsegg, and how those experiences inspired him to pursue his lifelong dream of crafting a hypercar that prioritizes emotion over sheer numbers. Discover the passion behind NILU’s vision for redefining the modern hypercar and the car Sasha has always wanted to create.

https://www.instagram.com/nilu27_official/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Allure of Classic Sports Cars

02:47 Sasha Selipanov: A Journey in Car Design

06:06 The Competitive Nature of Exterior Design

08:57 The Chiron Project: A Designer's Perspective

12:14 Reflections on Design Choices

15:08 Heritage vs. Innovation in Car Design

17:57 The Koenigsegg Experience: A Dream Realised

20:53 Designing the Gemera: Challenges and Triumphs

24:13 Creating a New Hypercar: The Vision Behind Nilu27

27:04 The Shift from Numbers to Emotion in Car Design

39:47 The Shift in Automotive Values

42:06 Beauty and Experience in Car Design

45:55 The Joy of Manual Driving

49:49 Craftsmanship vs. Industrial Production

54:34 Market Dynamics and Customer Interest

01:00:21 The Future of Manual Cars

01:02:21 Innovative Designs and the Cybertruck

01:10:27 Personal Favorites and Dream Cars

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Lee Gray is the Co-Founder of Kyron Audio. Kyron started building loudspeakers for the discerning ears of professional musicians in 2001, and have continued the quest for the most realistic and musical home audio systems.

One of the things you will notice is the Open-baffle design. Unlike traditional boxed speakers, Kyron’s systems employ an open-baffle design, eliminating enclosures to reduce resonance and coloration. This approach enhances clarity and delivers a more natural sound.

https://kyronaudio.com.au/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Childhood to Audio Design

06:11 Crafting the World's Best Loudspeakers

11:57 Innovative Speaker Technology: The Dipole Design

17:51 Active Systems vs. Passive Systems: A New Approach

24:04 Bespoke Audio Solutions: Tailoring to Client Needs

29:53 The Art of Speaker Design: Beyond the Box

34:45 Crafting Perfection in Audio Design

47:10 Innovations in Amplification Technology

49:32 The Perfectionist Mindset in Audio Engineering

52:58 The Emotional Experience of Listening to Music

01:00:45 Challenges of Daily Listening and Audio Quality

01:04:06 The Importance of Speaker Design and Quality

01:09:20 Judgment and Perception in Hi-Fi

01:12:45 The Shift from Forums to Personal Connections

01:15:38 The Desire for a Hassle-Free Audio Experience

01:18:57 The Evolution of Technology and Consumer Expectations

01:24:18 Nerding Out: Passion vs. Practicality

01:30:58 Memorable Journeys and Experiences

01:34:06 Choosing the Right Sound System

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Le Mans Coupes is the UK importer of a bunch of cool cars. From Superformance GT40s and Cobras to the Hyper Racer X1 and Spartan. I have a sit down with the boss Oliver Hulme after a drive in a GT40 to discuss these cars and the others they have for sale.

https://lemanscoupes.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey into Classic Cars

03:13 Understanding Superformance and Its Offerings

06:02 Driving Experience of the GT40

08:57 The Evolution of the GT40 Engine

12:13 The Community of GT40 Enthusiasts

15:02 The Appeal of Classic Cars in Modern Times

32:18 Performance and Aesthetics of Classic Cars

36:07 Navigating Regulations: The IVA Process

37:05 Introducing the Spartan: A Track-Focused Sports Car

39:55 Specifications and Performance of the Spartan

41:45 Driving Experience: Manual vs. Sequential Gearbox

44:08 Adjustable Suspension: Enhancing Performance

47:27 Fuel Efficiency and Track Day Considerations

49:41 Downforce Dynamics and Driving Confidence

53:30 Exploring the Hyper Racer: A New Racing Opportunity

01:04:48 The Joy of Track Days

01:12:48 The Thrill of Racing

01:20:11 The Allure of Historic Racing

01:28:32 The Value of Underrated Cars

01:35:38 Dream Cars and Future Aspirations

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