The Smoking Tire Podcast - Episode Summary

Episode: 750S COTA Laps; Ten Tenths Club; New Wheels; and Tariffs
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Hosts: Matt Farah and Zach Klapman

1. Introduction to Episode

The episode kicks off with Matt Farah and Zach Klapman gearing up to discuss a variety of automotive topics, ranging from the impact of new tariffs on the automotive industry to their recent experiences at a new racetrack and updates on Matt's Porsche Taycan.

2. Tariffs and the Automotive Industry

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the newly imposed 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, a topic that Matt initially hesitates to dive into due to its rapidly evolving nature.

• Matt Farah [01:11]: "With tariffs today, every single day, it's a new fucking thing. And so this show could age incredibly poorly if we talk about tariffs today."

Zach explains how these tariffs are affecting both luxury and mainstream car brands differently. Luxury brands like Audi, Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and Lotus are halting shipments, which Matt humorously notes serves as "air cover for low sales."

• Zach Klapman [04:24]: "Volvo has announced they are removing the S90 from the lineup... which is built in China and as of right now, the tariff is 125%."

Matt and Zach delve into how these tariffs disrupt the global supply chain, making even domestically branded cars like Honda CRVs more expensive due to their reliance on imported parts.

• Matt Farah [05:30]: "It's almost like there's a global supplier pipeline that has been built up over decades."

The hosts express concerns over the long-term sustainability of these tariffs, highlighting the complexity of shifting manufacturing processes established over decades.

• Matt Farah [07:09]: "That disproportionately affects people who can pay less."

3. Trip to the Ten Tenths Club Racetrack in Charlotte

Matt and Zach recount their visit to the newly opened Ten Tenths Club racetrack in Charlotte, North Carolina, next to the renowned Charlotte Motor Speedway. They describe the track's design, reminiscent of Germany's Bilsterberg, and the vibrant atmosphere filled with parties and Trans Am races.

• Matt Farah [21:35]: "We went to the opening of a brand new racetrack and it was a fucking good time."

They highlight specific moments from the event, including observing vintage Trans Am cars in action and enjoying the scenic layout of the track.

4. Porsche Taycan Updates

Matt provides updates on his Porsche Taycan, focusing on software issues and subsequent dealer visits.

• Matt Farah [44:44]: "I had a major software update at the dealer to hopefully address the ADAs that were fucking up."

Despite receiving a software update, Matt notes new issues arising post-update, such as the inability to perform side-by-side GPS functions.

• Matt Farah [45:34]: "The software Lord giveth and the software Lord taketh away."

Additional maintenance includes replacing weather stripping to eliminate window squeaks and addressing cabin filter issues caused by nearby fires.

5. McLaren 750 Spyder Laps at Circuit of the Americas (COTA)

The hosts discuss Matt's exhilarating experience driving laps in a McLaren 750 Spyder at COTA. Matt describes the car's responsiveness and handling, despite some initial surprises with overinflated tires.

• Matt Farah [34:34]: "I drove 50 laps of COTA in a McLaren 750, which is so responsive that you can intentionally overdrive it the whole way around the track."

Zach appreciates the car's engineering, noting its lightweight and powerful performance, while Matt reflects on the importance of proper tire pressure for optimal handling.

6. A Movie That Made Matt Cry

Matt shares his emotional experience watching an animated movie about a cat, praising its storytelling and emotional depth.

• Matt Farah [41:33]: "It's unbelievably beautiful, and I cried for almost the entire movie."

He emphasizes the film’s unique approach, using realistic animal depictions without dialogue to convey profound emotions.

7. Wheels and Performance with HRE Wheels

A detailed discussion ensues about Matt's recent upgrade to HRE wheels, highlighting the benefits and trade-offs.

• Matt Farah [48:37]: "HRE's new FMRX wheels look like three-piece wheels but are forged two-piece wheels, offering greater strength and performance."

Matt explains the efficiency gains and slight handling changes due to lower rolling resistance and unsprung weight, balancing aesthetics with functionality.

• Matt Farah [53:25]: "It's a price to pay for looking extremely fly."

8. Tesla Odometer Lawsuit

Zach brings up a lawsuit filed by Nyeree Hinton against Tesla, alleging that the company's odometer system overestimates mileage by as much as 117%, particularly as vehicles near warranty expiration.

• Zach Klapman [57:12]: "The lawsuit alleges that Tesla is using this technology instead of mechanical or electrical systems that faithfully record miles traveled in order to shorten warranties based on miles driven in the cars."

Matt critiques Tesla's approach to software regulation and the potential for fraudulent practices, underscoring the importance of accurate vehicle metrics.

• Matt Farah [60:02]: "There is no law regulating odometer accuracy. However, the Federal Odometer Act forbids tampering with vehicle mileage."

9. Listener Questions and Recommendations

The hosts address listener-submitted questions, offering tips and sharing personal preferences regarding daily drivers and car modifications.

• Matt Farah [75:00]: "I recommend putting a license plate sponge behind the license plate to prevent rattling."

They also discuss the challenges and best practices in modifying daily drivers versus maintaining specialized vehicles.

10. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Matt and Zach reflect on the breadth of topics covered, from industry-wide tariff impacts to personal automotive experiences. They encourage listeners to engage via Patreon for more current updates and tease upcoming content focused on listener questions.

• Matt Farah [81:58]: "Thank you, everybody. What a delightful 90 minutes of radio that was."

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and acknowledgments, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and insightful automotive commentary.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Klapman [04:24]: "Volvo has announced they are removing the S90 from the lineup... which is built in China and as of right now, the tariff is 125%."
• Matt Farah [53:25]: "It's a price to pay for looking extremely fly."
• Zach Klapman [57:12]: "The lawsuit alleges that Tesla is using this technology instead of mechanical or electrical systems that faithfully record miles traveled in order to shorten warranties based on miles driven in the cars."

This episode of The Smoking Tire provides a deep dive into pressing automotive industry issues, coupled with personal anecdotes and expert insights, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts seeking both information and entertainment.