JRE #589 – Chris Harris

This podcast takes listeners on a thrilling ride through the world of cars with renowned automotive enthusiast Chris Harris. Harris, known for his witty commentary and genuine passion, shares insightful stories about his personal car experiences, the evolution of automotive journalism, and the unique challenges of navigating the high-stakes world of hypercars and luxury vehicles. Provocative and engaging discussions about the role of the Internet in car culture and the future of the internal combustion engine add depth and fuel the conversation. Underlying themes explore the complexities of automotive design and engineering, the ever-evolving relationship between car enthusiasts and the media, and the ongoing quest for the perfect driving experience.

Podcast Topics:

1. Chris Harris’s Passion for Cars: Harris reveals his deep-seated love for cars, describing it as a “medical condition” that has led him to a career in automotive journalism. He emphasizes the joy of driving, appreciating the nuances of performance, design, and engineering that make each car unique.
2. The Upsides and Downside of Being an Automotive Journalist: Harris humorously describes the perks of getting to drive free cars, especially rare and expensive models. However, he also acknowledges the financial realities of the profession, stating that auto journalists don’t make much money. He jokingly notes that “the tat” he buys often depreciates quickly.
3. The Global Dominance of Top Gear and the Struggle for Automotive Content: Harris acknowledges the overwhelming success of Top Gear, calling it a “global phenomenon” with a dominance that few genres can rival. He points out the limited number of car shows available and how Top Gear’s presence makes it difficult for other shows to gain traction.
4. The Argentina Incident and the Role of Humor in Automotive Journalism: Harris recounts the infamous Top Gear incident in Argentina, where the show’s crew was forced to flee the country after their Porsche 928 GT was accused of having a number plate referencing the Falkland Islands. He offers a perspective on Jeremy Clarkson’s actions and the potential for humor to be misconstrued, especially in sensitive political contexts.
5. The Cultural Divide in the United States and the Importance of Perspective: Harris discusses the differences in attitudes towards social issues and free speech between liberal and conservative regions in the United States, using examples from Top Gear’s experiences. He highlights the need for understanding and tolerance, advocating for a balance between diverse perspectives.
6. Socialized Healthcare and the Dilemma of Funding: Harris explores the complexities of socialized healthcare systems, specifically the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). He acknowledges its importance for providing healthcare to the less fortunate but raises concerns about cost management and the potential for disincentivizing skilled professionals.
7. The Allure and Importance of a Manual Gearbox: Harris passionately advocates for the manual gearbox, highlighting its connection to the driving experience and the personal satisfaction it brings. He argues that it is an integral part of the car enthusiast’s world and predicts that its popularity will endure, even as automatic transmissions become more prevalent.
8. The Evolution of Automotive Design and the Quest for Performance: Harris delves into the evolution of car design, from the pure simplicity of older, lightweight cars to the high-tech sophistication of modern hypercars. He explores the tradeoffs between performance, comfort, and technology, recognizing the increasing complexity of balancing these elements.
9. The Rise of Hypercars and the Unpredictable Nature of the Car Market: Harris discusses the recent explosion in popularity of hypercars, including the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Porsche 918. He expresses astonishment at the high price tags and the seemingly insatiable demand, noting that these cars often sell out within days of announcement.
10. The Bugatti Veyron: A Monument to Engineering or a Flawed Design Brief?: Harris analyzes the Bugatti Veyron, acknowledging its technological advancements, particularly its dual-clutch gearbox. However, he also questions its purpose, suggesting that it was designed primarily to achieve a specific top speed rather than prioritizing driving enjoyment.
11. The Importance of Comfort in Luxury Cars: Harris argues that the pursuit of aggressive performance has led to a decline in comfort in luxury cars. He emphasizes the importance of a smooth and comfortable ride, especially for long journeys, and highlights how older luxury cars, like 1970s Cadillacs, often excel in this area.
12. The Role of the Internet in Automotive Journalism and the Challenges of Monetization: Harris discusses the impact of the Internet on automotive journalism, acknowledging its potential to reach a wider audience but highlighting the challenges of monetizing content in a digital world. He reveals his own struggles with the evolving business model and his efforts to adapt to the changing landscape.
13. The Future of Automotive Journalism and the Uncertain Fate of the Internal Combustion Engine: Harris contemplates the future of automotive journalism, acknowledging the looming transition to electric vehicles. He expresses a personal preference for gasoline-powered cars but recognizes the inevitability of electric powertrains and the need for car enthusiasts to adapt.
14. The BMW i8: A Promising Glimpse into the Future of Electric Cars: Harris shares his positive experiences with the BMW i8, praising its clever design and ability to blend electric power with performance. He acknowledges that it may not be the ideal car for everyone but sees it as a promising step towards a sustainable future for car enthusiasts.
15. The Dilemma of Fake Engine Sounds: Harris discusses the growing trend of car manufacturers using speakers to artificially enhance engine sounds in electric vehicles. While he acknowledges that sound is an important part of the driving experience, he expresses concern about the artificiality of the practice and its potential to diminish the authenticity of the driving experience.
16. The Importance of Personal Choice and Subjective Opinions: Harris emphasizes the subjective nature of taste and opinion when it comes to cars. He acknowledges that what one person finds aesthetically pleasing another may not, and he encourages listeners to embrace their own preferences.
17. The Enduring Appeal of Station Wagons: Harris expresses his strong preference for station wagons, highlighting their versatility and practicality. He contrasts them with SUVs, emphasizing that wagons offer a better balance of performance, comfort, and utility.
18. The Impact of Customer Feedback and the Challenges of Design: Harris recounts the story of the Ferrari 575, a car that was significantly altered based on customer feedback, ultimately resulting in a less desirable driving experience. He cautions against over-reliance on customer input and highlights the importance of designers’ expertise in balancing functionality and aesthetics.
19. The Uncertain Future of the Manual Gearbox: Harris discusses the potential decline of the manual gearbox, comparing its future to that of vinyl records. He believes that the manual gearbox will become a niche product, sought after by enthusiasts but increasingly difficult to find in new cars.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “I’ve got a medical condition with cars, it’s a problem.” – Harris humorously highlights his deep-seated passion for cars.
• “It’s a bit like finishing Olympic 200 meters and being the bloke that comes second and being asked what would you like to watch Usain Bolt’s ass.” – Harris describes the frustrating dominance of Top Gear in the automotive world.
• “If you choose, you know, I’ve just had something called a fat burger earlier … And I just looked at the fucking thing. And I, of course, I hate the whole thing. So now I feel genuinely ill.” – Harris shares his amusing (and relatable) struggles with unhealthy eating habits.
• “I think it’s a broad church, and I want it all.” – Harris expresses his eclectic taste in cars, embracing a wide range of styles and performance.
• “You’re always in the wrong tool for the job, I think.” – Harris acknowledges the constant desire for the “perfect” car, regardless of the specific situation.