The Smoking Tire Podcast – Episode Summary: "A Sex Thing?; Pagani Utopia; THAT McLaren Crash"
Release Date: October 17, 2024
Hosts: Matt Farah and Zach Klapman
1. Pagani Utopia: An In-Depth Review
Driving Experience and Specifications
Matt Farah and Zach Klapman delve into the intricacies of the Pagani Utopia, a hypercar priced at over $3 million. They discuss its impressive specifications, including a 6-liter Mercedes-AMG V12 engine producing approximately 850 horsepower and a curb weight of around 2,800 pounds. The Utopia features a single-clutch gearbox, which Matt notes is lighter than a dual-clutch system. Although initially disappointed to drive the automatic version—since a manual was available but slated for next year—they commend the sequential paddle shifters and smooth downshifts:
Matt Farah [16:48]: "Which, yes, disappointing."
Design and Engineering
The hosts appreciate the Utopia's carbon fiber body, inboard cantilevered suspension, and magnetic ride control. They highlight the car's unique design elements, such as visible engineering components on the steering wheel and gear indicators inspired by the Bugatti Tourbillon. Matt emphasizes the blend of artistry and functionality:
Matt Farah [24:55]: "It's all about, like, seeing the engineering."
Riding Comfort and Practicality
Despite its supercar status, the Pagani Utopia offers a comfortable ride suitable for long road trips. Matt drives the car for eight hours, noting its ability to handle both canyons and highways with ease. However, he points out minor flaws like the clunky stereo interface and the backup camera's overheating issue:
Matt Farah [29:39]: "The backup camera overheated and the screen turned just green."
2. Encounter with a Cop-Themed Biker
While filming the Pagani Utopia at Point Magoo in Malibu, Matt and Zach encounter a 17-year-old on a cop-adjacent motorcycle. The biker performs aggressive maneuvers, including two donuts, which frustrates the Pagani owners. Zach humorously reflects on the incident:
Zach Klapman [11:05]: "Yeah, that's a good spec."
Matt expresses his skepticism about the biker's motives, suggesting it might be a queer fetish or simply a display of disrespect towards the expensive vehicle:
Matt Farah [09:21]: "If it's like a queer fetish thing... have fun."
3. Hyundai Elantra N Facelift: What’s New?
The discussion shifts to the facelifted Hyundai Elantra N, which Zach has been testing recently. Key updates include new bushings, 33-pound lighter wheels per corner, and revised suspension software to accommodate the lighter wheels. Matt shares his experience with the heavier steering feel, which both find unusual:
Matt Farah [46:35]: "This was a heavy steering, it was odd. It seemed weird."
Zach Klapman [46:36]: "Yeah. And I was in, I was not in sport mode."
They debate whether the heavy steering is a design choice or a potential alignment issue, with Zach planning to consult Hyundai for clarification.
4. Maving RM1S Electric Motorcycle: A Mixed Review
Matt introduces the Maving RM1S, an electric motorcycle designed in a cafe racer style. While aesthetically pleasing, the motorcycle falls short in performance and practicality. Key points include:
- Battery Swapping: Users can hot-swap batteries priced at $1,500 each, though Matt questions the viability of this feature.
- Range and Speed: Advertised at 80 miles, Matt records a personal range of 52 miles with a top speed of 62-63 mph, likening it to a 150cc Vespa.
- Weight and Cost: Weighing 300 pounds with batteries totaling around 50 pounds, the motorcycle is priced at $9,000, making it less practical compared to traditional scooters like the Vespa.
Matt critiques the RM1S for being overpriced and underperforming, ultimately preferring his practical Vespa for commuting:
Matt Farah [60:37]: "The only thing it really delivers on for the money is the style."
5. THAT McLaren Crash: A Cautionary Tale
The hosts recount a McLaren crash involving a popular streamer who was distracted by his phone while driving in heavy rain. The accident highlights the dangers of distracted driving and the pitfalls of monetizing every moment for content creation. Zach and Matt express disappointment over the streamer's lack of responsibility:
Zach Klapman [65:15]: "But the reason the Internet really came after him, I mean, that's very dumb."
6. Honda’s Electric Vehicle Concept: Blending History with Innovation
Matt discusses Honda's new electric vehicle concept that emulates the sounds, looks, and driving dynamics of historic Honda models like the NSX and S2000. Features include:
- Selectable Engine Sounds: Allowing drivers to choose from various Honda-era engine sounds.
- Dashboard Emulation: Mimicking the aesthetic of classic models with modern technology.
- Unique Design Elements: Incorporating an 80s post-apocalyptic vibe with practical functionalities like the EQ dashboard emulator.
The hosts praise Honda’s initiative as a creative use of EV technology, though Matt suggests other brands like Porsche could adopt similar features.
Matt Farah [70:49]: "Go to Drive or someone they reported on the drive yesterday."
7. Listener Questions and Community Interaction
The episode includes responses to listener queries, such as ranking BMW M3 generations and identifying future classic cars. Matt and Zach offer their insights:
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BMW M3 Rankings: Matt prefers the E46 for its balance of performance and aesthetics, while Zach contests with higher rankings for newer models like the F80.
Matt Farah [104:38]: "E46 [is] at the top."
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Future Classic Cars: Suggestions include the Lexus LC 500, Jaguar F-Type, Toyota GR86, and Ford GT500, emphasizing the blend of performance, design, and limited production runs as factors for future collectibility.
8. Societal Reflections: Income Inequality and Luxury Cars
Throughout the episode, Matt and Zach reflect on the societal implications of owning ultra-expensive cars like the Pagani Utopia amidst rising income inequality. They question whether such displays of wealth contribute negatively to societal dynamics:
Matt Farah [38:29]: "This might be a problem with society, that that is where we're at right now."
9. Final Thoughts and Next Episode Teasers
As the episode concludes, the hosts tease upcoming segments and express gratitude towards their patrons. They also remind listeners to engage with their Patreon for exclusive content and support.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Farah [16:48]: "Which, yes, disappointing."
- Matt Farah [24:55]: "It's all about, like, seeing the engineering."
- Matt Farah [46:35]: "This was a heavy steering, it was odd. It seemed weird."
- Matt Farah [60:37]: "The only thing it really delivers on for the money is the style."
- Zach Klapman [65:15]: "But the reason the Internet really came after him, I mean, that's very dumb."
- Matt Farah [38:29]: "This might be a problem with society, that that is where we're at right now."
- Matt Farah [104:38]: "E46 [is] at the top."
This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a comprehensive exploration of high-end automotive experiences, practical vehicle reviews, and societal musings, all delivered with the hosts' characteristic candor and expertise. Whether you're an automotive enthusiast or simply curious about the latest trends, Matt and Zach provide valuable insights and engaging discussions.