2025 GT3 Review; Gunther Works Turbo Drive; Q&A

The Smoking Tire

Published: Thu Feb 06 2025

Is the new 992.2 Porsche GT3 really better than the outgoing model? In some ways, yes, in others, Matt isn't so sure. And how does it compare to the pedestal-dwelling 911 ST? Both Matt and Zack drove the new, blistering 810HP Gunther Works Turbo and have a lot to say about it. Zack's video flying an electric helicopter is finally done. Plus, how to wear 20 watches at once, and Patreon questions including: Cars with the worst transition between generations. Will the new Land Cruiser be as dependable as its predecessors? Why we don't believe in "forever cars". Deman's tuning changes Ranking the world's most comfortable cars Are 6th gen Camaro ZL1s a good used buy? Why we're not excited about Shelby's newest Mustang Funny bumpers stickers What to do about an Alcantara steering wheel And more! Recorded February 4, 2025 Go to https://porsche.click/tst to check out everything the Porsche Track Experience has to offer! Exclusive $20-off Carv...

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – Episode "2025 GT3 Review; Gunther Works Turbo Drive; Q&A"

Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zack Klapman dive deep into the automotive world with an extensive review of the all-new 2025 Porsche GT3. They also explore the innovative Gunther Works Turbo Drive and engage with their audience through a lively Q&A session. The episode is packed with insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and expert opinions, making it a must-listen for automotive enthusiasts.

2025 Porsche GT3 Review

[03:00] Matt Farah:
Matt shares his eagerness to test drive the new Porsche GT3, highlighting his spontaneous decision to accept the invitation without checking his schedule. The drive took place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain—a fresh and picturesque track offering a blend of flowy sections and challenging corners.

Key Features Discussed:

Performance Enhancements:
The 2025 GT3 boasts 503 horsepower, closely matching its predecessor's power output. Porsche has achieved this by shaving gear ratios by 8% across both PDK and manual transmissions to compensate for reduced torque due to stringent emission standards. This change ensures that the car remains a high-performing, naturally aspirated machine despite environmental regulations.
Notable Quote:
[06:12] Matt Farah: "Porsche gets to keep making a compliant, high-strung, naturally aspirated car. That's like kind of the way it is."
Design and Comfort:
The GT3 Touring model now offers a fold-forward bucket seat, providing flexibility for either passengers or additional luggage. While it isn't an adjustable recline system, this feature enhances the car's practicality without compromising its sporty essence.
Notable Quote:
[06:55] Matt Farah: "It has one position up and one position down. That's it."
Handling and Ride Quality:
On the track, the GT3 demonstrates exceptional balance and stability. The aerodynamics refined from the RS series, along with carbon fiber sway bars, contribute to a more controlled and responsive driving experience. However, Matt notes some brake dive in straight lines, attributing it to suspension geometry rather than shock tuning.
Notable Quote:
[10:52] Matt Farah: "It felt better than its predecessor on the street."
Steering and Electronics:
Porsche has revamped the electric power steering calibration to ensure consistent steering feel across different units and over time. This advancement aims to minimize variations caused by manufacturing tolerances and environmental factors.
Notable Quote:
[24:44] Matt Farah: "They've developed this new calibration for the E-pass that compensates for those things in both the short and the long term."

Summary:
Matt praises the 2025 GT3 for maintaining its exhilarating performance while integrating necessary environmental adaptations. The car's handling, comfort features, and innovative steering calibration make it a standout in the high-performance segment.

Gunther Works Turbo Drive

[31:05] Matt Farah:
Matt transitions to discuss the Gunther Works Turbo Drive, a project that embodies Porsche's heritage with a modern twist. The Gunther Works Turbo is a powerhouse, delivering 810 horsepower and weighing 2,700 pounds—making it comparable to classic lightweight sports cars but with quad the horsepower.

Key Highlights:

Engine and Performance:
Featuring a horizontally mounted fan reminiscent of Porsche's historic 917 models, the Gunther Works Turbo integrates both air and water cooling systems. This complex setup ensures optimal engine performance while maintaining reliability.
Driving Experience:
Despite its immense power, the Turbo Drive offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, suitable for daily driving as well as track performance. Matt notes its impressive handling dynamics, especially when driven by professional racers like Jörg Bergmeister, who demonstrate its capabilities on the track.
Aesthetics and Build Quality:
The car's raw and aggressive design is complemented by high-quality materials and meticulous detailing, including a fully carbon fiber interior. However, its practicality is limited by a hefty turning radius and the absence of certain amenities like congestion in tight urban environments.

Notable Quote:
[33:02] Matt Farah: "It’s an experience. It’s exciting. And it’s loud and there's lots of different sounds because you've got turbochargers and gear-driven fans."

Summary:
The Gunther Works Turbo Drive exemplifies high-performance engineering with its impressive horsepower and lightweight construction. While it delivers a thrilling and raw driving experience, its practicality for everyday use is constrained by its design and handling characteristics.

Additional Discussions

King of the Hammers & Ranger Raptor:
Matt and Zack briefly touch upon the reopening of roads previously closed due to fires and their upcoming participation in the King of the Hammers event with the Ranger Raptor. They express excitement about testing the Ranger's capabilities in such a demanding environment.
Content Creation Challenges:
The hosts share behind-the-scenes anecdotes about filming challenges during press launches and collaborations with other content creators, emphasizing the balance between creating engaging content and experiencing the cars firsthand.

Q&A Session

Listeners submitted a variety of questions, which Matt and Zack address with enthusiasm and expertise.

Vehicle Longevity and Maintenance:
Question: "Do you think the new platform for the Land Cruiser will be good for 200-300k miles like previous ones?"
Answer: Matt and Zack discuss the durability of Toyota hybrids and the practical aspects of maintaining high-mileage vehicles, highlighting the importance of proper care and the evolving complexity of modern cars.
Best Cars by Country:
Question: "What is the best car coming out of each country right now?"
Answer:
- USA: C8 Corvette and Rivian models.
- Italy: Maserati Huracàn and the MC20 GT2 Stradale.
- Germany: Porsche 911 (GT3 and ST variants).
- UK: Aston Vanquish and Bentley GT Speed Hybrid.
- Korea: Ionic 5N.
- Japan: Toyota GR86 and Acura Integra Type S.
Automotive Journalism Parody:
Question: "If you were to make a media outlet for automotive journalists, how would it differ?"
Answer: Matt envisions a parody-focused outlet, humorously critiquing the industry much like Richard Porter's fictional automotive journalist character.
Bumper Stickers and Driving Stories:
Question: "What is the funniest, weirdest bumper sticker you've seen?"
Answer: Matt recounts a humorous yet cautionary tale involving a misleading bumper sticker that led to unexpected legal trouble.
Driving Gloves and Interior Detailing:
Question: "Favorite driving gloves?"
Answer: The hosts discuss their preferences for materials, with Matt expressing a dislike for Alcantara steering wheels and the inconvenience of maintaining driving gloves.
Forever Cars:
Question: "Will any of your current cars be forever cars?"
Answer: Both hosts reflect on the concept of forever cars, ultimately agreeing that flexibility and the continued pursuit of new experiences take precedence over long-term ownership commitments.

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Matt and Zack express their excitement for upcoming events, including their live podcast at King of the Hammers with notable guests like Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Dave Cole. They also tease future projects, such as selling Matt's detailed Bentley on Cars and Bids and discussing maintenance costs.

[100:06] Matt Farah:
"We will have a podcasting extravaganza for IT experiences. Roadtrack.com if you want to drive with me. See you later."

Notable Quotes

Matt Farah:
*"[06:12] Porsche gets to keep making a compliant, high-strung, naturally aspirated car. That's like kind of the way it is."
Zack Klapman:
*"[25:10] Car rips. Car's great. Southern Spain rocks."
Matt Farah:
*"[33:02] It’s an experience. It’s exciting. And it’s loud and there's lots of different sounds because you've got turbochargers and gear-driven fans."
Zack Klapman:
*"[38:23] It feels good in your hands."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a comprehensive look into the latest Porsche GT3, innovative aftermarket turbo solutions, and engages deeply with listener questions, all while maintaining the hosts' signature blend of humor and automotive passion. Whether you're a Die-hard Porsche fan or simply love high-performance vehicles, Matt and Zack provide valuable insights and entertaining discussions that resonate with enthusiasts of all levels.

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Website: www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire
Twitter: @thesmokingtire, @zackklapman
Instagram: @thesmokingtire, @fakezackklapman

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Patreon: patreon.com/thesmokentirepodcast

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments to focus solely on the informative and engaging discussions relevant to automotive enthusiasts.