The evo podcast
The evo podcast is the official podcast of evo magazine, focused on the world’s greatest performance cars. Episodes cover the latest automotive news, go behind the scenes of the magazine, and feature interviews with people from across the industry. It offers insight and discussion for enthusiasts of high-performance vehicles.
Episodes
Tyre myth special: when tyres really expire & are cheap tyres all that bad? | Episode 63
In this episode of the evo podcast we dive deep into tyre myths, the challenges of developing them, which you should buy and how to ensure yours are truly fit for your car. This week, John Barker and Richard Meaden are joined by tyre expert Steve Howat, the man behind Continental’s Technical Services department.
Our worst long term test car, reviving TVR & best budget track cars | Episode 62
In this episode of the evo podcast, James Taylor, John Barker and Sam Jenkins run through the latest batch of reader's questions. From which story was most difficult for us to write to the very best budget track cars money can be, it's a varied spread.
Giving up on new cars, a Ferrari Luce redesign & are manuals overrated? | Episode 61
In this week's episode of the evo podcast, Stuart Gallagher, John Barker and Dickie Meaden talk manuals, Dickie's abandoned 106 Rallye and the cars we chose not to include in our recent supercars eras series.
An update on Harry's Countach & is the SLR McLaren really that bad? | Episode 60
In episode 60 of the evo podcast, Richard Meaden, John Barker and James Taylor discuss the making of our 2000s supercars test, featuring everything from the Aston Martin Vanquish to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. We also address the latest on Harry Metcalfe's Lamborghini Countach.
The making of our 1990s supercars test: unexpected findings & what we didn't include | Episode 59
In the latest episode of the evo podcast Stuart Gallagher, Richard Meaden and James Taylor sit down to discuss the making of our 1990s supercar test from issue 349. It was an exciting era for the segment and our team, but after revisiting them all, which of the six would they take for themselves?Read the 1990s supercars test in full: https://evo-shop.co.uk/products/evo-magazine-september-2026
Aston Martin special | the £1.5m Valen & will we see an EV? With CEO Adrian Hallmark & Marek Reichman
In this special episode of the evo podcast, Stuart Gallagher is joined by Adrian Hallmark and Marek Reichman, Aston Martin CEO and Chief creative officer. This week we discuss everything from the marque's new V12-powered Valen special edition, to whether or not we'll see a fully electric model from Gaydon.
Harry Metcalfe Q&A special: the Channel 4 blunder, Ferrari Luce & buying new cars | Episode 57
In part two of our visit to Harry Metcalfe's garage, John Barker and Dickie Meaden read through reader's questions, covering everything from what Harry would have changed in the founding years of evo, to why he won't buy anything with a battery.
Accidentally buying a Lamborghini Countach & high-speed Porsche troubleshooting, with Harry Metcalfe
In the latest issue of evo magazine we gather six of the finest 1980s supercars, of which three happened to be owned by Harry Metcalfe. In this special episode of the evo podcast, John Barker and Dickie Meaden head to his garage for a catchup and a recap of the test.
An awkward incident with an F1 icon, Red Bull RB17 & the new BMW M3 | Episode 55
In this episode of the evo podcast, John Barker, Richard Meaden and James Taylor get together to discuss their latest drives... and flights. John's been taking a look at two extremes of the performance car world with a look at the incoming electric BMW M3 and the incredible Red Bull RB17, James has had a drive in the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C and Dickie's had an almost exclusive diet of supercar
Centre-seat Elise, Ferrari V12 'manual' & driving 1970s supercar icons 50 years on | Episode 54
In this episode of the evo podcast, Stuart Gallagher, John Barker and Richard Meaden go back to the 1970s with a recap of our supercars eras test. This week we also discuss our findings from time with Ariel's fastest-ever Atom, our drive in Analogue's single-seat Lotus Elise, and the intriguing new Ferrari 12 Cilindri Manuale.
Our daily drivers & the world's best saloon, with Henry Catchpole | evo Q&A EP3
In episode 53 of the evo podcast Stuart Gallagher and Sam Jenkins are joined by Henry Catchpole for our third Q&A. This week, we discuss the finest ever saloon car, the best way to find driving roads, our own daily drivers and a whole lot more.To submit questions of your own, send us a line at podcast@evo.co.uk
Le Mans 24 Hours: predictions, best memories & what makes it special | Episode 52
Ahead of the 2026 edition, Stuart Gallagher, James Taylor and Sam Jenkins gather to discuss what makes the Le Mans 24 Hours so special in episode 52 of the evo podcast. We also recap our recent drives in everything from our recently departed Toyota GR Yaris, to a Ford GT40.
Restomods: the good, the bad & where it all began, with Henry Catchpole | Episode 51
In this episode of the evo podcast, Henry Catchpole joins Stuart Gallagher and Sam Jenkins to the discuss everything restomods. We've seen a huge uptick in new offerings in recent years, but is it all for the better?
Ferrari Luce: first-hand impressions from the ground & is it all a mistake? | Episode 50
In this week's podcast Stuart Gallagher and James Taylor are joined by Sam Jenkins, fresh from the reveal of the car of the moment: the Ferrari Luce. It could well be the most controversial release not just for Maranello, but for the industry as a whole. The question is, was it the right move?
Nürburgring 24 Hours: first-hand tales of the world's most challenging race | Episode 49
As the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hour race approaches, John Barker and Richard Meaden recount their best (and worst) memories from their time racing at the iconic event. Stuart Gallagher and Sam Jenkins join the pair to discuss this year's lineup, and why it might just be the most spectacular edition yet.
How not to drive a 300SL Gullwing, 'Manthey' MX-5 & the next Nissan GT-R | Episode 48
In this week's episode, Stuart Gallagher is joined by James Taylor, Richard Meaden and John Barker to discuss our upcoming supercar eras series, a £100,000 Mazda MX-5, the latest Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 and what could be the heart of the next Nissan GT-R.
The perfect power output, undercover driver's cars & has Porsche gone too far? | evo Q&A EP2
This week Richard Meaden and Sam Jenkins embark on our second Q&A, discussing everything from the finest cars for tricky northern roads, the ideal power output, Nürburgring battles and whether or not Porsche has finally taken it too far.
2010s NA V8 execs, 911 GT3 S/C & is the BMW Z8 really that bad? | Episode 46
In this episode of the evo podcast, Richard Meaden, Stuart Gallagher, John Barker and Yousuf Ashraf discuss the new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C, our drive in the Aston Martin Vantage S and whether or not the BMW Z8's original star rating was deserved. We also talk 2010s naturally aspirated V8 executives following John's time behind the wheel of the S204 Mercedes-Benz C63, E90 BMW M3, Lexus IS F an
The ultimate one-make racing series, a Maserati on fire & new Nürburgring record | Episode 45
In episode 45 of the evo podcast, we discuss why we're so excited about the new Renault Twingo, how John Barker went through 32 sets of tyres in a day and why Dickie bailed on Aston Martin. We also recount our fondest memories of one-make racing, which cars would be best for it and more.
The problem with Audi RS5, WRC returns & Aston Martin Valhalla, with Henry Catchpole | Episode 44
In this week's episode of the evo podcast, Henry Catchpole returns for a chat about his experience behind the wheel of the new Audi RS5 and Aston Martin Valhalla. We also discuss the return of top-level rally to the UK, plus a whole lot more...00:00 Intro01:55 WRC returns to the UK26:10 Is the Audi RS5 any good?41:37 Driving Aston Martin Valhalla
A Rolls-Royce to Ukraine & how to drift a tank, with James Cameron | Episode 43
This week we're joined by James Cameron, founder of Mission Motorsport, to discuss the origins of his charity, why he's taking a Rolls-Royce to Ukraine and precisely why he's known as 'tank slider'...Support Jim's cause:https://donorbox.org/jamesandjackhttps://www.missionmotorsport.org/
Ferrari F50 v cattlegrid & 100mph backwards: our most memorable mishaps | Episode 42
The creation of an evo magazine feature involves a number of moving parts, and while they all come together for most, there have been occasions over the last 27 years where things haven't gone quite to plan. Stuart Gallagher, Richard Meaden, John Barker and James Taylor recount the most memorable mishaps.
Our dream daily drivers, Britain's pothole problem & a new British sports car | Episode 41
In episode 41 of the evo podcast, we decide on the ultimate daily drivers, discuss the state of Britain's roads, the controversial start to the Formula 1 season, a new British sports car and a whole lot more. This week Stuart Gallagher is joined by John Barker, Richard Meaden and Yousuf Ashraf.
All-time best (and worst) passenger rides: McLaren F1, a stolen Vauxhall & broken ribs | Episode 40
In this episode of the evo podcast, Dickie Meaden, John Barker and Yousuf Ashraf are joined by Henry Catchpole for a discussion about their most memorable passenger rides of all-time. We also discuss the cover story for the latest issue of the magazine, but to read the feature in full, head to the evo shop to get your copy.
The most underrated cars, a Porsche for £35k & is V6 the new V8? | evo Q&A EP1
In this episode of the evo podcast we embark on our first Q&A, with Richard Meaden, James Taylor, Sam Jenkins and Yousuf Ashraf answering reader's questions...and some from within the evo office. To submit your own, email us at: podcast@evo.co.uk
Driving Jaguar's GT and is the Porsche Boxster EV dead? With Henry Catchpole | Episode 39
This week Stuart Gallagher, John Barker and Yousuf Ashraf are joined by Henry Catchpole to discuss his latest drives, Yousuf's time in the highly anticipated Jaguar GT, the hardcore VW Golf GTI Edition 50 and whether or not the electric Porsche Boxster really is dead after all...
Driving Ferrari 849 Testarossa, Ravage A110 & steering by wire | Episode 38
In this episode of the evo podcast Richard Meaden and Sam Jenkins are fresh from the launch of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa, Maranello's bold 1035bhp replacement for the SF90. Also in this episode, John Barker reveals the latest on his Capri, steering without a column, and we talk about our time behind the wheel of the exciting new Ravage Alpine A110.
The Bugatti Veyron is back, Toyota GR GT & will hydrogen happen? | Episode 37
In episode 37 of the evo podcast, we discuss the incredible Bugatti F.K.P, the Dakar rally, a cut-price Can-Am racer for the road, recap our time with the exciting new Toyota GR GT and our test with the BMW M5 CS and Audi RS6 GT. This week James Taylor is joined by Dickie Meaden, John Barker and Sam Jenkins.
Andy Wallace on hitting 300mph and the secrets behind speed records | part two
In this episode of the evo podcast, Richard Meaden and John Barker are joined by Andy Wallace for part two of our special on the man behind the most iconic road car speed records of recent times. This week, he speaks about his time behind the wheel of the world's fastest road cars and what it takes to achieve those record numbers.
Andy Wallace on downforce injuries, winning Le Mans & his motorsport career | part one
In episode 35 of the evo podcast, John Barker and Richard Meaden sit down with Andy Wallace for part one of a two-part special on the life of the racer and test driver. From the beginnings of his motorsport career to the mishaps, highlights and everything in between, we cover all. Join us next week for part two on his iconic speed records and career as a test driver.
The best performance car of 2025 revealed: evo Car of the Year podcast | part two
With evo Car of the Year 2025 now on shelves and the big screen, in this episode of the podcast, Stuart Gallagher, Dickie Meaden, John Barker and James Taylor sit down to discuss the results of our biggest test of the last 12 months. A total of 12 contenders made the task of finding a winner harder than ever, but there was one car that outshone them all.Watch the evo Car of the Year film: https://
2025's best performance cars: evo Car of the Year podcast | part one
This week we look towards 2025's evo Car of the Year test with a look back at the history of the test, standout years, the duds and how it's all created. With not long to go until the test goes on sale on December 3, we reveal the contenders for this year.
The man who revolutionised performance driving: Racelogic's Julian Thomas
In this episode of the evo podcast, we're joined by Julian Thomas, founder and owner of Racelogic. John Barker and Dickie Meaden sit down to discuss everything from his beginnings as a fledgling engineer, to the formation of Racelogic, its breakthrough products and Julian's personal automotive journey.
The best six-cylinder sports cars, Ferrari's EV and a 470bhp Skoda | evo podcast | Episode 31
In this episode of the evo podcast, Yousuf Ashraf, James Taylor, Richard Meaden and Sam Jenkins discuss Ferrari's incoming all-electric model, the return of the Speciale and the ultimate six-cylinder sports car group test from the latest issue. We also catch up with the Fast Fleet its very latest, very understated addition.
Porsche 911 GT3: driving the first and latest | evo podcast | Episode 30
In this week's episode, we discuss Porsche 911 GT3s and James Taylor's experience behind the wheel of the very first, and latest. Yousuf Ashraf speaks about his time in the latest Eagle E-type, and we catch up with all of the latest on the evo Fast Fleet, including John Barker's Capri...
Driving Bugatti's final W16, the EV U-turn and Linglong tyres | evo podcast | Episode 29
The iconic Bugatti W16 is nearing its end, but before it departs for good, we've been behind the wheel of the final car it's destined for. In this week's podcast John Barker, Stuart Gallagher, James Taylor and Yousuf Ashraf discuss this drive, everything performance tyres and the market's increasing uncertainty on EVs.
Which decade delivered the best performance cars? | evo podcast | Episode 28
In this episode of the evo podcast, we conclude our eras series with a discussion about our favourite picks from each decade, and which of the bunch came out on top. This week James Taylor is joined by John Barker, Dickie Meaden and Yousuf Ashraf.
F1 special: Horner's departure, Alpine rumours and Formula 1 at Le Mans | The evo podcast | Episode 27
In episode 27 of the evo podcast we turn the discussion to Formula 1 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, covering everything from Christian Horner's shock departure, the challenges of driving modern Formula 1 cars, rumours about the future of Alpine and our dream circuits to bring to the F1 calendar. This week Stuart Gallagher is joined by James Taylor, Dickie Meaden and Yousuf Ashraf.
Aston Martin Valhalla: has the 1064bhp hypercar been worth the wait? | The evo podcast | Episode 26
In episode 26 of the evo podcast, we sit down for a discussion about Aston Martin's long-awaited mid-engined hypercar: Valhalla. Having spent time behind the wheel of a pre-production prototype ahead of its market launch, Deputy Editor James Taylor reveals our initial thoughts on the 1064bhp special, alongside Stuart Gallagher, Dickie Meaden and Yousuf Ashraf.
Ferrari F80: does it deserve to stand amongst the greats? With Henry Catchpole | The evo podcast | Episode 25
In this episode of the evo podcast we discuss findings from our first drive of Ferrari's latest flagship supercar: the F80. Dickie Meaden and James Taylor are joined by Henry Catchpole who discusses another exotic V6 model, this time from the Czech Republic.
Driving the 10,000rpm Lamborghini Temerario – a worthy replacement for the V10? | The evo podcast | Episode 24
In episode 24 of the evo podcast, we sit down to discuss our findings from the first drive of the fascinating new Lamborghini Temerario, Sant'Agata's V8 replacement for the Huracán. This week Henry Catchpole joins evo Deputy Editor James Taylor and Editor-at-Large Richard Meaden.
Are sports cars dying out and how to drive at the Nürburgring | The evo podcast | Episode 23
In episode 23 of the evo podcast, the team comes together to reflect on the state of the sports car market, following our test of five disparate examples of the breed. We also swap stories on our experiences at the Nürburgring and talk through our recent evo Eras: 2000s test and the stunning cars featured.
How they made the Jaguar F-Type, from the people that made it happen | The evo podcast | Episode 22
We gather key figures from the Jaguar F-Type project to uncover how it came about, and what went into making what was a landmark sports car for Jaguar. evo's own John Barker worked on the project, and is joined by F-Type Design Director Ian Callum, Chief Programme Engineer Russ Varney and Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity Mike Cross for a reunion.
The best ’90s performance cars, Valkyrie on the road and Huayra R Evo | The evo podcast | Episode 21
In episode 21 of the evo podcast, the team reflects on an epic ’90s performance car test, what the Aston Martin Valkyrie is like to live with and a drive in Pagani's track-only Huayra R Evo. This week we're joined by editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, editors-at-large Richard Meaden and John Barker and deputy editor James Taylor.
How they made the Lotus Elise: from the people that made it happen | The evo podcast | Episode 20
As the Lotus Elise nears its 30th year, we gather the key figures behind the project to uncover the story of the iconic sports car. This week Richard Rackham, Elise Chassis Engineer, Matthew Becker, Dynamics Engineer and Julian Thomson, Lotus Head of Design join Dickie Meaden for a reunion.
Ferrari 296 Speciale, dream drives and where hypercars go wrong | The evo podcast | Episode 19
In episode 19 of the evo podcast we talk hypercars, Ferrari's latest and greatest track special and dream up our ultimate car/road pairings. This week we're joined by editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, editor-at-large Richard Meaden, deputy editor James Taylor and senior staff writer Yousuf Ashraf.
In Discussion: evo & Alpine UK [PAID PROMOTION]
[Ad] evo sits down with Nicola Burnside, Head of Alpine UK and Gordon Shedden, three time British Touring Car Champion, to discuss all things Alpine and the Alpine A110 to uncover what makes the mid-engined sports car such a great driver's car and what's next for this iconic French brand. Discover the A110https://www.alpine-cars.co.uk/range/a110
Is the '80s the greatest era for performance cars? | The evo podcast | Episode 18
In episode 18 of the evo podcast, the team reflects on an epic '80s performance car test which saw them revisit the Ferrari Testarossa, Mk1 Toyota MR2, Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, Audi Quattro, Peugeot 205 GTI and E30 BMW M3. This week senior staff writer Yousuf Ashraf joins editors-at-large John Barker and Richard Meaden and deputy editor James Taylor.
Chasing 300mph: building the world's fastest car, with John Hennessey | The evo podcast | Episode 17
The race to 300mph was won by Bugatti in 2019, but now Texas-based Hennessey Performance is aiming to eclipse its record with the ballistic Venom F5. Editor at large Richard Meaden joins company founder and CEO John Hennessey for a deep dive into what it takes to build the world's fastest car.
Has four-wheel drive ruined performance cars? | The evo podcast | Episode 16
In episode 16 of the evo podcast, the team discusses the state of play in the world of four-wheel drive performance cars - who makes the best, how the technology is evolving and whether they can be as much fun as two-wheel drive models. This week we're joined by senior staff writer Yousuf Ashraf, editors at large John Barker and Richard Meaden and deputy editor James Taylor.
Hot hatches: the best, the worst and should Porsche build one? | The evo podcast | Episode 15
On episode 15 of the evo podcast we talk hot hatches, discussing the best we've driven, the manufacturers that shouldn't have bothered, and our findings from 322's all-wheel drive hatch shootout with the GR Yaris, A45 S and RS3. This week we're joined by editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, editors at large John Barker and Richard Meaden and deputy editor James Taylor.
Pagani special: origins, driving Utopia & Horacio's legacy | The evo podcast | Episode 14
In this special episode of the evo podcast, editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher joins editors at large John Barker and Richard Meaden to celebrate 25 years of Pagani Automobili. From the origins of the company and the iconic Zonda to our experiences in its latest and greatest creations, we cover all in episode 14.
Bugatti's V16, AWD hot hatches and budget endurance racing | The evo podcast | Episode 13
On the 13th episode of the evo podcast, editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, editors at large John Barker and Richard Meaden and deputy editor James Taylor discuss all-wheel drive hot hatches, the Bugatti Tourbillon and its V16, driving the new Porsche 911 GT3 and more.
Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Le Mans 2025 and the flaw with EV mandates | The evo podcast | Episode 12
On episode 12 of the evo podcast, editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, editors at large John Barker and Richard Meaden and deputy editor James Taylor discuss motorsport in 2025, and the state of the automotive industry as we edge closer to a zero emissions deadline.
The most anticipated performance cars of 2025 | The evo podcast | Episode 11
On this episode of the evo podcast, editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, editors at large John Barker and Richard Meaden and deputy editor James Taylor discuss the most anticipated cars of the next 12 months, and make first calls on 2025's evo Car of the Year lineup...
evo Car of the Year 2024: contenders, results and absentees, with Henry Catchpole | The evo podcast | Episode 10
In episode ten of the evo podcast, contributing editor Henry Catchpole joins editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, deputy editor James Taylor and editors at large Dickie Meaden and John Barker to discuss eCoty 2024: the contenders, the test's highs and lows, the finishing order and the absentees...
evo Car of the Year: origins, mishaps and highlights, with Henry Catchpole | The evo podcast | Episode 9
In episode nine of the evo podcast, contributing editor Henry Catchpole joins editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher and editors at large Dickie Meaden and John Barker for an eCoty special, discussing everything from its origins to the most memorable moments, both good and bad...
Car press launches: the good, the bad and the ugly, with Henry Catchpole | The evo podcast | Episode 8
In episode eight of the evo podcast, Editor-in-Chief Stuart Gallagher, Contributing Editor Henry Catchpole and Editors at Large John Barker and Dickie Meaden gather to discuss stories of the very best, very worst and most memorable car launches of their time.
What makes the Porsche 911 GT3 an all-time great? | The evo podcast | Episode 7
Episode seven of the evo podcast asks how has the Porsche 911 GT3 remained at the top of its game for more than a quarter of a century? Editor-in-chief Stuart Gallaghers asks editors-at-large Dickie Meaden and John Barker about their GT3 experiences, while Yousuf Ashraf provides a deep dive on the latest 992.2 generation model.
What defines a hypercar? Ferrari F80 & McLaren W1 | The evo podcast | Episode 6
On the sixth episode of the evo podcast, editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher, editor’s at large John Barker and Richard Meaden and deputy editor James Taylor talk hypercars, what defines them and how much more performance the driver can take. We also discuss our thoughts on the new Aston Martin Vanquish, BMW's controversial plug-in hybrid M5 and the future of the premium hatchback.
How to be a safer and better driver, with Paul Ripley | The evo podcast | Episode 5
In episode five of the evo podcast, contributor and expert driving coach Paul Ripley joins Editor-in-Chief Stuart Gallagher, Editor-at-Large John Barker and Deputy Editor James Taylor to discuss the secrets behind safe driving, and how to extract the most from your car.
Are Japanese performance cars given the credit they deserve? With Henry Catchpole | The evo podcast | Episode 4
In episode four of the evo podcast, Contributing Editor Henry Catchpole joins Editor-in-Chief Stuart Gallagher and Editors at Large John Barker and Dickie Meaden to discuss Japanese performance cars, the new Ferrari 12 Cilindri and the future of the V12.
Your first performance car | The evo podcast | Episode 3
In episode three of the evo podcast Editors at Large John Barker and Dickie Meaden and Editor in Chief Stuart Gallagher discuss the first performance car they experienced and what would make a great first evo car today.
Is the death of the internal combustion engine a myth? | The evo podcast | Episode 2
In episode two of the evo podcast Editor-in-Chief Stuart Gallagher, Editor’s at Large John Barker and Richard Meaden and Deputy Editor James Taylor discuss the future of the internal combustion engine.
The birth of evo magazine, with Harry Metcalfe | The evo podcast | Episode 1
To mark the launch of the evo podcast, we take the opportunity to gather founding members to discuss the birth of the magazine.
Founder Harry Metcalfe, Editor-in-Chief Stuart Gallagher and Launch Editors John Barker and Richard Meaden discuss everything from the grain store loan that started it all, to the true origins of the name and unheard stories of the magazine's beginnings.
