Matt rode in a Waymo; tells tales from the Avants event in Seattle; Zack's car is falling apart while being put back together; Florida has a new law for speeders; Toyota showed off a concept; and we answer Patreon questions including: What's a good car for an artsy college student? Is my car too fast for track days? Is the T.33 worth the money? Could Porsche bring back the 912? What should the next Miata be? Favorite automotive conspiracy theory Best car for a new driver Least desirable million ...
Jul 17, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 1030
A CyberTruck technicality; the tragic life of his Rover SD1; why insurance is important; when small cars REALLY matter; the unsung Corvette King; cars are too fast; and more! Patreon questions include: Would Jason get a Golf R or R32? Why did he create his famous Excel file? What new car are we excited about? Ever drive an Audi A2? Which "performance" cars couldn't keep up with Jason's Pacifica camera car? Rather work with Top Gear or Parts Unknown? Is there another Ferdinand Piech video coming?...
Jul 15, 2025•2 hr•Ep. 1029
Matt Farah and Zack Klapman review the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Meridian; talk about a journey to Seattle; recall the craziest thing they've seen a vehicle do; discuss the twin-turbo Porsche Cayman video; give our thoughts on the new 911 T 70th anniversary; Matt scratched his steering wheel; and we answer Patreon questions including: What's the best, fast, used SUV? Would the Renault 5 EV sell in the U.S.? Is a used SL55 AMG a good buy? How does driving at Spa and the 'Ring stack up to U.S. tracks? 1996...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 1028
A crash (everyone is ok) during one of the 'Ring's popular "tourist days" has the internet debating who is at fault; Matt spent a week riding around an electric motorcycle and changed his mind, maybe; a Bentley Bentayga's options surprise us; and we answer Patreon questions including: Honda S2000 vs Z3 vs M roadster vs Boxster What supercar would a bad Altima driver buy? When is it better to buy a more expensive used car? How to find a stolen car Our WORST road trip snack mistake Should Nissan j...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 1027
We review the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro (and compare it to the Ranger Raptor, Wranger, and Bronco); Zack shows off the progress of his custom interior; take a look at Mercedes new electric super sedan (and the media event that debuted it); and answer Patreon questions including: How expensive is new air suspension? Can I make my old 5 series handle like a brand new car? When do you choose character over reliability? How cheap should an Alfa Giulia be before you buy one? Convincing your mom...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 1026
A review of the new F1 movie (without spoiling it); we tested Apple's new CarPlay Ultra; a weird Toyota ad; the DUMB reason we can't have the Alpine A110. Plus we answer Patreon questions including: Would you want to tune the sound of your starter? EV off-roading vs ICE Underrated car communities that deserve attention The fear of wearing a watch 2004 Ford GT or 911 S/T? Would you want to take a serious stab at racing? Is "double-clutching" still a thing? Why can't OEMs fix "real" problems? 4Run...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 1025
After 8 years of dreaming, Matt Farah and Zack Klapman review the Alpine A110 GT, a car that every European journalist heralds as one of the greats; is it? We also celebrate Zack's 15th anniversary with The Smoking Tire, reminiscing about motel floors and supercharged cars. There's something in the Big Beautiful Bill that affects cars and car makers; plus a new bit inspired by Reddit called "Can I drive this home?" featuring some amazing spontaneous disassembly. Then we answer questions from our...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 1024
Matt is back from an 1,100 mile drive in the Lexus LC500 and has notes; Zack talks about the lawsuit against Toyota regarding its hydrogen cars (something he knows all too much about); some kittens get rescued; and questions from our Patreon members include: What has better steering feel than a Porsche? Best car to take your dad for exciting rides Thoughts on Lexus' new halo car Why do some models remain icons for decades while others fade away? Our opinion of the GNX Why you don't supercharge a...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 1023
Reviewing the Ferrari Roma Spider; the Corvette ZR1X is unveiled; a hint at our drive in the Meyers Manx radial; why Lotus is struggling; a new ultra-light stunner; and we answer a WHOLE bunch of questions. Funniest tire names Replace my E30 track car with? The stunning, ultra-light Shoreline coupe What car would we co-own? Who most needs a halo car? A car book we disagree with Best normal commuter Brick & mortar vs media businesses Why Lotus is struggling The best BMW since the E39 M5? 3 ca...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 1022
Eric Kendricks is a professional football player who is a true car enthusiast with what might be the perfect 6-car fleet. On this episode we talk about: His cars Why his mod level is OEM+ Thoughts on the new Mustang FX wheel How to speed up his CRX Si What he wants to buy next The best and worst cars in an NFL parking lot Advice for people about to buy their first cool car Other players with excellent taste And more! Recorded June 13, 2025 DeleteMe Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to j...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 1021
Sergio Siderman is an Immigration Attorney whose origin story includes kidnappings, random, and of course, the asylum process. We invited him on the show to inject some facts into the goings on with ICE in an effort to fight through the noise and pundits. Sergio explains what is really happening to immigrants of varying immigration status, why this whole thing began, crime statistics, the effects it will have on your community, and what people with green cards, visas, in-process immigration, or ...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 1020
Zack Klapman has tales of attending poor man's Goodwood in a sauna; Matt notices cars in Italy; Ford unveiled a new Foxbody-inspired Mustang GT that has us confused; and we answer Patreon questions including: Why we would only do a TST charity event a certain way Would Matt order a Spyder again? Color change with a wrap or paint? Why your friend tells you his WRX is an STI Vintage watch vs new watch Alpina B3 vs M3 Touring Why did enthusiasts love the 911 T but not the base Carrera? How to raise...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 1019
Matt's Lamborghini engine is done! Sort of. There's good news and confusing news. Plus we talk about why the new M5's wagon-ness doesn't excuse it's heaviness; which fan car we'd drive; answer a lot of automotive F/M/K questions; and revisit the worst dashboard ever. Plus, Patreon questions include: What's the ugliest interior feature ever? How to make your watch look perfect for my wedding Which 6 CDs would you keep in the changer forever? Would you rather have a new car with an auto or an old ...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 1018
Should Porsche put a 911 Turbo S engine in a Cayman? We've all said as much for a long time and someone finally did it: BGB Motorsports. We describe what the drive was like. Plus, Zack Klapman's VW Beetle story; PCH has reoponed to the public; and we answer Patreon questions including: How cheap will a BMW M4 GTS get? Commuter/canyon: IS500 vs Alfa Giulia Quad Deman vs BGB How would you build a C5 today? BMW 850i or LC500? A McLaren Speedtails meant for turns? Matt's amazing brussels sprouts rec...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 1017
IMPORTANT update on the ID.Buzz. A thing we hated we may not hate anymore. Plus, why did Matt's 6'5" dad and his equally large brothers own a VW Beetle? The EV mandate is over, plus we answer Patreon questions including: Used Audi R8 or AMG-Mercedes GT Imperfect cars that are perfect for ONE thing? Which cars have we changed our mind on? Favorite camera gear right now Is there a V8 Lotus could put in the Emira? Should I PPF my mountain car? Is it true that Porsche 911 owners don't like the Carre...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 1016
ID.Buzz Full Review; Kei Cars Legal! (Sort of); Nostalgia Gone Wrong; and we polled our Patreon members! Plus, questions include: - Automated manuals: how we felt then and now - Thoughts on the RAM Charger? - Stories of outrageous business expenses - Why NOT buy an R34 GT-R? - How to add whimsy to an '80s truck - Thoughts on the Oscar Weinie 500 - Been to Japan? Why not? - Craziest attempted gift to us at a press launch Recorded May 22, 2025 Hello Fresh Go to HelloFresh.com/smokingtire10fm now t...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 1015
Flyin' Miata built a new 5-state legal turbo kit for the NC generation Miata and we drove it! What's the power? How does it feel? Is it even worth it if it's allowed in CA? Plus, we give our first impressions on VW's nostalgia-inspired ID.Buzz, the EV version of it's famous hippy bus. Tesla is finally letting Cybertruck owners return their leases, and we answer Patreon questions. DeleteMe Take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for DeleteMe. Now at a special di...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1014
How in the heck do Mustang GTDs get priced over HALF a MILLION dollars? It's tricky. Matt Farah and Zack Klapman talk about the most expensive option on Ford's newest speed machine. They also discuss the Avant WagonFest at the Petersen Automotive Museum; why swapping the transmission on your cool Mercedes is the perfect upgrade; some strange goings on with a transmission shop; and answer questions from Patreon including: How do you talk someone out of getting the car they want? What's the strang...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 1013
Theon Design is a new competitor in the Porsche 911 restomod space and Matt Farah lets us know how it drove. He and Zack Klapman also discuss the psychology of buying a car you never plan to drive; why "bubble wrapping" a sports car is not a good financial decision; Bring-a-Trailer and CarandBids selling advice; when perfect is TOO perfect; and more. Plus questions from our Patreon members include: Do cars really feel different when you change the drive mode? What's a "bad" EV? Doug Demuro's Por...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 1012
Matt Farah and Zack Klapman review the new 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster and discuss it's German competitors like the Porsche 911 GTS; then we answer Patreon questions including: Which car brand has the best community? Miata engine upgrade: Turbo or V8 swap? What will Singer do when they run out of 964s? Most memorable travel moments? Would you buy a car that's been engine swapped? What to look for? If we were in Cars 4, what cars would we be? Should a Miata owner buy an old, British roadst...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 1011
What is a "MILFY" car (this term was used by a female listener, we swear) How to sent boundaries as a freelancer Are manual pickup trucks an decent manual-transmission experience compared to a sporty car? Challenge: Buy 3 cars from one company from the same year: Sports car, SUV, Luxury sedan. And more! Recorded May 5, 2025 Aura Frames For a limited time, listeners can save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35-off plus free shipping on their best-selling Carver Mat frame. AU...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 1010
Abbas Wahab is a standup comedian but we found him through his short-form videos that poke fun at the car market. From drivers to owners to dealers and OEM marketing teams, Abbas has a great knack for getting to the core of a topic. On this episode we talk about the new record set by the Mustang GTD; the I.D. Buzz Abbas is driving around in; range anxiety; airlines; Altima energy; driving in NY; the Canadian Navy; and so much more. Recorded May 2, 2025 https://www.abbaswahab.com/live-shows @abba...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 1009
Chip Foose is a legendary designer of hot rods and concept cars. His name became famous with the hit TV show "Overhaulin'", in which they would "steal" someone's beloved project and give it the glow-up of a lifetime. The show was one of Discovery's biggest hits, lasting ten seasons, and was a predecessor to so many flip/repair shows across television. But Chip's journey began years before that and his successes have only grown since then. In this show we learn about how he became such a skilled ...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 1008
Sam Byrne and Maz Fawaz are part of the group that bought Willow Springs Raceway. On this exclusive interview they lay out their big plans for the iconic race track. Recorded April 22, 2025 For more information on Willow Springs' Future: https://www.willowspringsraceway.com/ Check out the full lineup and get 15 percent off your first order at TRUEWERK.com/TIRE CarGurus Go to CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal. New merch! Grab a shirt or hoodie and support us! https://thesmo...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 1007
Matt Farah reviews the 2025 Bentley Flying Spur Speed and has a conundrum regarding its hybrid power-train; Zack Klapman's BMW unfixed a new part of itself; what car do we want to be (but what are we really); and we answer Patreon questions including: Is the W202 Mercedes C43AMG exciting enough to buy? How to store your watch bands. Favorite car-related activity? $30k-40k for a fun, used, sport touring sedan How do fleets of cars and buses get bought, anyway? Best track rental: Porsche GT4RS or ...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 1006
Why new HRE wheels make Matt's Taycan feel different; an in-car review of the new Audi E-Tron GT Performance with Motor1.com's Kyle Kinard; and then Patreon Q&A including: Is an old rental Ferrari a "real Ferrari experience"? What is the real performance difference between a Macan S and a Cayenne? Why do people hate on the Porsche Aerokits? Lotus Emira vs C8 Z06 vs Ferrari 360 vs Audi R8 V10 Manual Will the Arctic Truck packages hold their value? How much power do you need in a luxury daily?...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 1005
Driving a new Mclaren 750S on Texas' Formula One track; Tesla gets sued for an allegedly shifty odometer; a big update on automotive tariffs (and how they'll effect you); what will new performance wheels do to your EVs range?; and questions from our Patreon include: Why would you ever want to modify your daily driver? Will auto shows ever regain their lost popularity? How a bad wheel offset or spacer can mess up your suspension You have $1M to buy 4-6 Porsche 911s. Which ones do you choose? Reco...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 1004
BRETT BERK is a freelance writer whose non-fiction has appeared in a list of publications so long I'm putting it at the bottom of this post instead of the top. Most important for us, in addition to contributing to all the biggest car magazine, he is the co-author of the automotive books “Never Stop Driving”, “Corvette Stingray: The Mid-Engine Revolution”, and “The Atlas of Car Design“ On this episode we talk about Brett's RIDICULOUS lineup of recent drives; how the new Aston Vanquish holds up to...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 1003
Ed Niedermeyer is a journalist and author most known for his 2019 book "Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors". When it comes to the business of Tesla, he is one of the most well-respected and trusted voices. https://benbellabooks.com/shop/ludicrous/ https://www.autonocast.com/ Recorded April 1, 2025 Get TWENTY PERCENT off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/TIRE and use promo code TIRE at checkout. To listen to DRIVE with Jim Farley, just search for “DRIVE ...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 1002
Dean Delray is a comedian who has opened for Bill Burr and Metallica (among others), appeared on "WTF" w/ Marc Maron, "You Made it Weird" with Pete Holmes, "The Joe Rogan Experience". His own podcast, "Let There be Talk", a podcast that "features raw, unfiltered, off-the-cuff conversations that offer deep insights with a diverse mix of engaging personalities from the worlds of music, film, TV, comedy and more." On this episode we talk about Dean's old 911s; his gnarly motorcycle story; why he wa...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 1001
