Thanks both, enjoyed the content, probably works better for a good deal of it as a podcast as the camera position is just frustrating and you are talking about cars you see but basically we can’t see because of the camera position. Next time put the camera somewhere with a better view.
but enjoyed nevertheless
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Our day jobs are no different than many of you and we're by no means professional cinematographers, sound technicians, etc., and if we haven't made that clear, that's on us. And, as Stu noted, much of this was very last minute and being that we're not pros at this, we didn't have tons of equipment laying around and ready to go. Additionally, in that same vein, we did have some technical snafus that eliminated other camera footage and reduced sound quality. I'm not trying to be defensive, just putting this reality on your radar and note that this endeavor (the forum and podcast) is in addition to our careers.
@moosetown - I thought the truck rode very well and was easier to drive than I expected. It's a solid vehicle and has a presence on the road. The steering is different, as has been noted time and again, but it's not hard to adjust to nor a concern. My last four vehicles were quad-cab half-ton pickups so I'm used to a large vehicle; the one noticeable difference is the turning circle, which is much wider compared to pickups as they're IFS. Moreover, although it's been 20 years, it felt a bit familiar having owned a Discovery II - which also has dual solid axles. I looked like a fool with the gear shifter - it's very different than what I've used and if I'm honest, I'm not a fan. I would prefer something more traditional in both function and form.
@RobS - we did speak off camera with Greg as well as Rick Craine (engineer), Colin Burke (sales), and the elusive Tony whose last name I cannot recall. There were no major revelations as far as I recall, but it was nice to chat with them all.
@Bruce Exactly - how crazy is it that the CEO of the Americas invited two clowns (well one clown
and me
) to drive this fantastic vehicle and taking the time to sit and chat as we did so. GC is supportive of this forum and the communities it has brought together. Like he said, we in the states are so passionate about something we don't even have yet and for some, haven't even seen in person! Moreover, he and IA Americas, recognize that true enthusiasts are on this forum and it's vital for dealers to engage not only here, but to work together on events once the keys are in our hands. On top of all that, Greg really is a car guy and I hope that came through in the interview - he's a great guy and one I personally look forward to speaking again.
@Reducs Stu spent more time in the driver seat and given the value and importance of what he was driving, his concentration was focused on the task at hand. I, however, was free to look about and there were plenty of stares. At one point we had stopped in a parking area on the side of the road and there was a line of traffic crawling by - lots of looks and some envious ones too - mostly from guys in lifted 4Runners! We also stopped at another point and this very colorful lady walking her dog wandered over and was quite inquisitive of the vehicle and what we were doing. Shame it wasn't on film TBH as she asked some great questions and was quite - how should I put it - eccentric I think is a nice way
.
@Michael H. Putting names to faces is a good thing, but not necessarily our faces. Like I said elsewhere, we look better in low-def
- and even greater if you take your glasses off!
All that being said, it was a very exciting opportunity for us both and one that I consider to be a once in a lifetime kind of thing. It came together very quickly and Stu was instrumental in making me be a part of it a reality - he certainly has my deepest gratitude.
sign, unlike 
