North Korea ordered 1,000 cars - then never paid for them
North Korea has the lowest rate of car ownership in the world, yet somehow its streets are filled with Mercedes-Benz sedans, imported luxury SUVs, and even decades-old Volvos that were never paid for. In this episode, we uncover the bizarre and often unbelievable history of automobiles in one of the world's most isolated countries. From Soviet-inspired factories and homemade Mercedes clones to international sanctions, black market smuggling networks, and the largest automotive theft in history, this is the story of how North Korea built its car culture despite being largely cut off from the global automotive industry. We'll explore the country's philosophy of self-reliance, the rise and fall of its domestic car manufacturers, the infamous Volvo deal that remains unpaid more than 50 years later, and the elaborate schemes used to bring luxury vehicles into the country. Along the way, we'll examine what cars reveal about power, status, and everyday life inside North Korea, where even a simple drive can represent a rare taste of personal freedom.
2026-06-22T14:38:44Z
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica brings style to daily driving
The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica uses a familiar Stellantis platform, but it manages to feel different through its design. With compact crossover proportions, Italian red paint, muscular details, and a front end inspired by Alfa Romeo history, it has more visual character than many of its close relatives. Inside, the cabin mixes practical Stellantis controls with Alfa touches like Alcantara trim and sporty seats. The physical climate buttons are easy to use, but some materials, especially piano black surfaces and hard plastics in the rear, feel less impressive. On the road, the Junior Elettrica works best as a city car. It has light steering, easy parking manners, good front visibility, and quick electric response at everyday speeds. It is not the most practical family EV, and the rear seats are a clear weakness, but for daily urban driving with strong style, the standard electric version may be the most sensible Junior to choose.
2026-07-11T04:35:56Z
Budget-friendly automatic cars perfect for city life
Why automatics matter: Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) cars remove clutch use, making city driving more relaxed and beginner-friendly. Top budget picks: Models like Tata Tiago, Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, and Maruti Baleno offer style, comfort, and convenience under ₹10 lakh. Who should buy: Ideal for first-time buyers, urban commuters, and families seeking low-maintenance, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-drive cars.
2026-07-09T19:56:07Z
Porsche GT4 RS hits 245 km/h at Nürburgring
This short video puts viewers inside a Porsche GT4 RS during a high-speed Nürburgring track session, showing the intensity of the car from the cabin as it accelerates through straights and attacks fast corners. With two helmeted occupants onboard, the footage focuses on the driver’s perspective, the digital display, engine RPM, and real-time speed as the GT4 RS climbs past 200 km/h on parts of the circuit. The video captures the sharp response, track-focused character, and raw performance that make the Porsche GT4 RS so exciting on the Nürburgring, combining cabin audio, rapid acceleration, braking zones, and flowing corners into a compact ride-along experience.
2026-07-07T07:07:40Z
Cheap Jaguar XKR becomes a manual monster
DriveTribe finally road tests its manual converted Jaguar XKR after turning a cheap Japanese import into a 420 HP supercharged V8 coupe. The automatic gearbox has been replaced with a six speed manual, supported by coilovers, Tarox brakes, BBS wheels, LSD, custom exhaust, smaller supercharger pulley, and ECU tuning. The result feels sharper, louder, and much more like the Jaguar sports car that should have existed from the factory. But the first drive also reveals problems, including a very hot cabin, an aggressive clutch, and awkward driving ergonomics. It is exciting, flawed, and full of character.
2026-06-29T14:07:42Z
