The Gated Shift
Warning: this podcast may make you unbearable in car conversations. The Gated Shift, hosted by self-proclaimed automotive encyclopedia Thanasi Chalkiadakis, is a deep dive into the world of cars, fueled by a lifelong obsession and a knack for uncovering fascinating, obscure, and often forgotten automotive stories. Thanasi may not be a mechanic – he'll be the first to admit his oil-changing limitations – but his marketing background and encyclopedic knowledge of car history, from racing legends to niche manufacturers, give him a unique and unbiased perspective. Each week, he shares his passion, exploring iconic models, dissecting industry trends, and leaving no automotive stone unturned. Subscribe to The Gated Shift and prepare to become the ultimate (and possibly most annoying) car expert among your friends. Have a question? Moneyshiftpodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
Explore the genesis of Porsche's 'RS' legend with The Gated Shift! This week, host Thanasi dives deep into the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Born from the necessity to dominate Group 4 GT racing, this homologation special became one of the most revered classic Porsches ever built. We'll uncover the obsessive lightweighting philosophy behind the M471 Sport version, contrast it with the M472 Tou...
It pulled wheelies from the factory, made 840 horsepower on race gas, and was promptly 'banned' by the NHRA for being too fast. This week on The Gated Shift, we unleash the full story of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Join host Thanasi Chalkiadakis as we uncover the secret origins of this drag strip monster, delving into Tim Kuniskis' audacious vision, the internal challenges faced, and the incred...
From potentially game-changing affordable EVs to the pinnacle of 90s JDM performance, this episode of The Gated Shift covers fascinating ground! First, host Thanasi examines the newly revealed Slate Truck, a minimalist electric pickup aiming for a sub-$20k price point, and Toyota's major investment in hydrogen fuel cell semi-trucks. Then, we transition to a deep dive into a legendary sports car: the Mazda RX-7 F...
Group B rallying was known for its wild cars and extreme performance, but not every attempt was a success. This week on The Gated Shift, we delve into the bizarre and ultimately tragic story of the Citroën BX 4TC, a car that dared to be different, and failed spectacularly. Based on the unassuming BX family hatchback, the 4TC was Citroën's unlikely entry into the world of Group B. We'll explore its unconvent...
This week, The Gated Shift podcast celebrates a true automotive masterpiece: the Lamborghini Miura. Join us as we explore the complete story of this iconic supercar, from its unlikely origins as a skunkworks project by a team of young engineers to its stunning debut at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. We'll dissect Marcello Gandini's breathtaking design, analyze the innovative transversely-mounted V12 engine, an...
This week, The Gated Shift podcast explores the car that many consider to be the greatest M car of all time: the BMW E30 M3. We'll go beyond the legend and delve into the engineering that made this car so special. Discover the secrets of the high-revving S14 four-cylinder engine, the meticulously designed chassis, and the aerodynamic enhancements that set the M3 apart from the standard 3 Series. We'll also e...
The C8 Corvette may be the first production mid-engine Corvette, but the dream of a mid-engine 'Vette goes back decades, to the legendary Zora Arkus-Duntov. On this episode of The Gated Shift, we explore the fascinating history of the mid-engine Corvette prototypes, from Zora's early CERV research vehicles to the stunning Aerovette that almost made it to production. We'll uncover the stories behind the...
This week, The Gated Shift tackles a rally legend: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V and VI, including the iconic Tommi Mäkinen Edition. Join us as we explore the history of these incredible machines, from their development as homologation specials for the World Rally Championship to their dominance on the world's toughest rally stages. We'll dive deep into the technology that made the Evo so special, includ...
The Honda NSX was more than just a supercar; it was a revolution. On this episode of The Gated Shift, we examine how the NSX changed the automotive landscape forever, proving that performance and reliability could go hand-in-hand. We'll trace the development of the NSX, from Honda's ambitious goals to the innovative technology that made it a reality, including its all-aluminum construction and game-changing ...
This week on The Gated Shift, we're diving deep into the legendary Porsche 959, a car that was truly ahead of its time. Originally designed for the wild world of Group B rally, the 959 became one of the most technologically advanced supercars of the 1980s. We'll explore its groundbreaking all-wheel-drive system (PSK), its twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, its adjustable ride height, and its lightweight con...
Fresh off discussing potential shifts in automotive manufacturing, The Gated Shift podcast dives into a prime example of American automotive ingenuity: the C4 Corvette ZR-1. This week, we're exploring the 'King of the Hill,' a Corvette that took on the world's best thanks to its groundbreaking, Lotus-developed LT5 V8 engine. We'll dissect this DOHC marvel, explore the ZR-1's unique design...
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. It's more than just a car; it's a JDM legend, a tuning icon, and a racing champion. On this episode of The Gated Shift, we dive deep into the history of the R34 GT-R, exploring its development, its groundbreaking technology, and its enduring legacy. We'll uncover the secrets of the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and the legendary RB26DETT engine. We'll also discuss...
On this episode of The Gated Shift, we're diving deep into the history of a true automotive icon: the Toyota Supra Mk IV (A80). Join us as we trace the Supra's lineage, from its origins as a Celica variant to its status as a JDM legend. We'll explore the development of the legendary Mk IV, the groundbreaking 2JZ engine that powered it, and the cultural phenomenon it became, thanks in part to its starri...
Journey back to the 1930s with The Gated Shift and discover a car that was decades ahead of its time: the Cord 810/812. This episode dives deep into the revolutionary design and engineering of the Cord, exploring its groundbreaking front-wheel drive, unibody construction, hidden headlights, and aerodynamic styling. We'll uncover the story of visionary businessman E.L. Cord and designer Gordon Buehrig, who dared ...
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the legendary Datsun 240Z, a car that redefined the affordable sports car segment. We'll uncover the story behind its creation, including the influence of Nissan's Yutaka Katayama, affectionately known as 'Mr. K.' We'll explore its sleek design, its smooth inline-six engine, and its nimble handling that made it a favorite among enthusiasts an...
Step back in time with The Gated Shift to the 1955 Paris Motor Show and the unveiling of a car that would forever change the automotive landscape: the Citroën DS. In this episode, we explore the 'Goddess,' a machine that was so advanced for its time, it seemed to have come from the future. We'll dive deep into its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, a system that gave the DS its legendary magic ca...
From Japan to America, the automotive world has been buzzing with news this week, and The Gated Shift podcast is here to break it all down. We're talking about the potential game-changer of a mid-engined Toyota GR Yaris prototype, possibly a testbed for a new MR2. We'll also explore the track-focused madness of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Drift King Edition, revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Then, it's on to...
Before the Veyron and Chiron, there was the EB110. Join us on this episode of The Gated Shift as we rediscover the Bugatti EB110, the forgotten supercar of the 1990s. We'll delve into the ambitious project led by Romano Artioli to revive the legendary Bugatti name, the groundbreaking technology packed into the EB110 – from its quad-turbo V12 to its carbon fiber chassis and all-wheel-drive system – and the unfort...
Get ready for a deep dive into one of the most influential rally cars of all time! On this episode of The Gated Shift, we're dissecting the Audi Sport Quattro, the car that brought all-wheel-drive to the forefront of motorsport. We'll explore how this Group B legend's innovative Quattro system, combined with its powerful turbocharged engine, allowed it to dominate the World Rally Championship in the ha...
Join us on The Gated Shift Podcast as we take a deep dive into the history of a true American racing legend: the Chrysler Viper GTS-R. In this episode's Model Spotlight, we'll explore how this iconic GT1 race car, developed by Team Viper and Oreca, went from the showroom to dominating the track at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing multiple class wins and cementing its place in motorsport history. We'll ...