Brembo’s Journey from the Paddock to Your Driveway | Ep. 118

This week host Greg Migliore chats with Andrea Algeri, Brembo’s Car Racing Market Manager, to discuss how braking and energy recovery have impacted what’s shaping up to be a wild 2026 Formula One season. We also get into how braking tech has evolved throughout different eras in F1, what changed this year and how Brembo transfers its racing experience to road cars

Then Mike Schlee joins for his latest gear test, the Viofo A119M dash cam. In the AutoGuide Garage, Mike reviews the monstrous 2026 Ford F450

We close things out with the mailbag, where we ponder what the return of the Nissan Xterra means for the off-roading segment.

SHOW NOTES

• 00:08 – Welcome and Episode Overview: Host Greg Migliore introduces the week's lineup, including a deep dive into Formula 1 braking technology, a gear test of a new dash cam, a review of the Ford F-450, and a discussion on the return of the Nissan Xterra.
• 00:46 – Interview: Andrea Algeri on F1 Braking Tech: Andrea Algeri, Brembo's car racing market manager, discusses the company's 50-year history in Formula 1 and how they currently supply all 11 teams on the grid.
  • Hybrid Era Challenges (03:21): Discussion on how energy recovery systems have transformed braking from a purely mechanical action into a seamless blend of mechanical and electrical braking.
  • Evolution of Brakes (05:10): A look back at the transition from heavy steel brakes in the 70s and 80s to the lightweight carbon-carbon materials introduced in the 90s.
  • Technology Transfer (17:04): How racing innovations, such as carbon-ceramic materials, are adapted for high-performance road cars.
• 22:15 – Gear Test: VIOFO A119 Mini 2 Dash Cam: Mike Schlee reviews the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 (referred to as the A119M Pro in the video), highlighting its "old school" physical buttons, built-in screen, and impressive low-light recording capabilities.
• 27:09 – Auto Guide Garage: Ford F-450 SD: Mike Schlee shares his experience driving the massive Ford F-450 Super Duty XLT.
  • Driving Dynamics (29:23): Surprise at the truck's maneuverability due to its wide-track front axle, which provides a significantly tighter turning radius than the F-350.
  • Performance (30:46): Notes on the 6.7L diesel engine's immense power and the "bouncy" nature of the heavy-duty suspension when the truck is unloaded.
• 35:54 – The Mailbag: The Return of the Nissan Xterra: The team ponders where the reborn Nissan Xterra will fit in a market dominated by the Bronco, Wrangler, and 4Runner.
  • Market Positioning (38:58): Discussion on whether the Xterra's potential naturally aspirated V6 and truck-based platform will attract buyers looking for an alternative to turbocharged hybrids.
• 41:53 – Conclusion: Closing remarks and subscription information.