The Intercooler Audio Articles

This episode humorously describes the chaotic driving conditions in Los Angeles when it rains, comparing it to how Brits handle snow.

This episode reviews the 2026 Renault Twingo electric car, exploring whether its fourth generation recaptures the brilliance of the original while discussing its design, practicality, and historical context of small cars during times of scarcity.

This episode discusses the upcoming electric BMW M3, comparing its high-performance features to traditional petrol models and reflecting on the M3's engine history.

This episode explores the history and brand philosophy of BMW, focusing on the original Neue Klasse and how slogans like 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' have shaped the company's identity and engineering decisions.

This episode analyzes the business dynamics of Formula 1, highlighting its growing fanbase driven by Netflix's Drive to Survive and expansion in the US market, while examining its limited monetization potential compared to other sports.

A car reviewer argues that the Honda Civic Type-R (FL5) is overrated due to persistent engineering flaws that undermine its otherwise excellent performance and handling.

This episode reviews the BMW iX3 electric car while exploring BMW's historical development of electric vehicles, starting with the 1602 E created for the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Car designer Ian Callum reflects on his rebellious teenage years in the 1960s and how that era shaped his creative journey and determination to become a designer.

This episode explores the rare BMW 320iS, a lesser-known E30 model with the same S14 engine as the M3 but modified for tax reasons in Italy and Portugal, offering a more affordable alternative.

This episode explores the real-world ownership experience of an aging Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, questioning whether newer cars are always better than their predecessors.

This episode explores whether the Porsche 911 Carrera S (991 generation) qualifies as an unloved model that will eventually become a cult classic, drawing parallels with previous generations like the 964 and 996.

This episode explores the concept of automotive test mules, using a mysterious modified Audi A8 as an example to explain how car manufacturers use existing vehicles to test components for future models.

The host reflects on a long-standing prediction about the decline of SUVs, comparing it to historical misjudgments like Dick Rowe rejecting the Beatles.

Andrew Frankel reflects on his seven-month experience with the Range Rover P550e Autobiography, covering its security, reliability, and overall ownership lessons.

A car journalist reflects on the groundbreaking L322 Range Rover from 25 years ago, explaining how it revolutionized luxury SUVs and why he now considers buying one as an affordable alternative to new models.

Automotive journalist Andrew Frankel reflects on brand heritage and design challenges as he reviews Jaguar's new unnamed GT car, drawing parallels to personal relationships and comparing it to Porsche's consistent evolution.

This episode explores the concept of 'Peak Car' by comparing different eras of Volkswagen Golf GTI to examine whether modern cars have truly improved over their predecessors in areas like safety, comfort, and driving enjoyment.

This episode reviews the Aston Martin Valhalla supercar, examining whether it maintains the brand's essence despite its impressive technical specifications and performance capabilities.

This episode reviews the Porsche Cayenne Electric, highlighting its impressive 1140 brake horsepower, performance capabilities, and competition with the Range Rover.

A car enthusiast recounts his impulsive purchase of a Jaguar XJS, detailing its appeal as a bargain classic car while warning about its notorious corrosion problems and high maintenance costs.

A young motoring journalist shares his experience reviewing his first press car, a Kia Picanto, focusing on its affordability and performance for new drivers.

A narrator describes the frustrations of poor headlights during night driving in a Subaru Forester XT, leading to considerations of replacing the car despite its sentimental value.

This episode is a long-term review of the Audi S5 Avant, comparing it to competitors like the BMW M340i and Volvo V60 T8 while highlighting emerging issues like fuel economy and ADAS problems.

Helen Wakely explores whether the Mercedes-Benz S600 W220's notorious reputation as the worst S-Class actually makes it a smart buy, sharing her personal experience with a low-mileage example purchased as a non-runner.

Andrew Frankel narrates his decades-long quest to buy a 1968 Dodge Charger 440 R/T, detailing its design, engine options, and his personal connection to this classic American muscle car.

This episode explores alternative history scenarios in the automotive world, imagining what might have happened if different car companies had achieved dominance or made different strategic decisions.

This episode explores Coventry's role as the birthplace of the British motor industry, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to post-war prominence and examining Victorian resistance to early automobiles.

This episode compares three high-performance estate cars - the BMW M340i, Audi S5 Avant, and Volvo V60 T8 - to determine which is the best sporting family vehicle.

This episode analyzes the new 2026 F1 regulations, focusing on the 50-50 power split between internal combustion and electricity, and discusses their impact on teams and manufacturers.

This episode narrates the behind-the-scenes process of a Ferrari Testarossa launch, detailing PR communications, journalist interactions, and logistical challenges.

This episode explores the development of the first-generation Dodge Viper RT/10 against the backdrop of Chrysler Corporation's financial crisis in the late 1970s and early 1980s, highlighting Lee Iacocca's leadership in orchestrating a dramatic corporate turnaround.

Dan Prosser discusses the Alpine A290 GTS's real-world driving range challenges in cold weather, explaining why electric vehicles are less efficient in winter and comparing actual performance to official WLTP figures.

This episode explores the 1969 Austin 1300 GT, a surprisingly sporty version of Britain's best-selling family car that was accessorized with modish features to appeal to GT enthusiasts.

A personal diary entry about the challenges of owning and storing a collection of 14 quirky vehicles while living in an apartment, questioning the need for spring cleaning and downsizing.

A broadcaster reflects on her 20-year career in motorsport by counting down her top 10 most memorable moments, starting with Pierre Gasly's emotional victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.

This episode reviews the Lamborghini Temerario, highlighting its 907 horsepower, 4-liter V8 turbo engine, electric motors, and 13 drive modes while questioning the practicality of its extreme performance.

A narrator recounts a dramatic moment at the 70th edition of the eccentric British Pomeroy Trophy historic racing event, where a Ferrari 250 nearly causes a crash, while reflecting on the event's origins with automotive journalist Lawrence Pomeroy Jr.

This episode explores the Low Collection, a German car museum founded by Friedhelm Loh, detailing his lifelong passion for classic cars that began with a childhood encounter with a Mercedes 190 SL.

A car enthusiast explains his seemingly irrational purchase of a slow Toyota iQ, justifying it as a practical daily driver after modifying his VW Golf R into a weekend-only vehicle.

This episode reflects on the dangers novice drivers face and questions the adequacy of current driving education systems through personal anecdotes of early driving experiences.

The host reflects nostalgically on features he misses from older cars, particularly focusing on design elements like sidewalls and handbrakes, sparked by a modern car comparison.

A former chief engineer of the Alpine A110 discusses his perspective on whether car creators appreciate or are annoyed by aftermarket tuners modifying their vehicles.

This episode explores the surprising affordability and exceptional driving experience of the McLaren 570S supercar compared to modern electric vehicles.

This episode recounts the thrilling 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, focusing on Max Verstappen's debut win with Red Bull and the emotional reactions from his father and the team.

This episode explores the historical precedent and potential future for motorsport at the Olympics, detailing past events in 1900 and 1908 and arguing for its modern inclusion.

A nostalgic reflection on childhood fascination with car top speeds, focusing on the impressive 153 mph capability of the Jaguar XJ-S V12 as a standout British performance car.

This episode explores how multiplexing technology revolutionized automotive wiring by replacing complex physical wiring systems with digital data transmission in cars during the 1980s.

This episode explores the dark history of Wolfsburg, Germany, from its medieval origins to its role as the birthplace of Volkswagen, built with slave labour under Nazi rule.

Andrew Frankel compares the new electric Alpine A290 GTS with the older Volkswagen Polo GTI, highlighting the EV's charging challenges and the ICE car's reliability.

Jez Medinger tests the Michelin Cross Climate 3 Sport tyre, exploring whether it can perform well in both winter and summer conditions without the need for seasonal swaps.