Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire
Episode: Alpine A110 Review; "Can I Drive on This?"; 15 Yrs of TST
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zach Klapman delve into a variety of automotive topics, celebrating Zach's 15-year anniversary with the podcast, reviewing the Alpine A110, exploring mechanical mishaps from Reddit, and sharing personal stories and insights from their extensive experience in the automotive industry.
Celebrating 15 Years with The Smoking Tire
Timestamp [05:00] - 13:45
The episode kicks off with a heartfelt celebration of Zach Klapman's 15-year anniversary with The Smoking Tire. Matt reminisces about their early days, highlighting the sacrifices Zach made to support the growing podcast.
Matt Farah [05:08]: "That was 2010. Wow. That was a VF engineering car."
Zach reflects on their humble beginnings, working tirelessly for minimal pay, often sleeping on motel floors and waiting tables to fund their passion.
Zach Klapman [09:12]: "But you did sleep on some motel floors. You also rode for pretty long distances in the backseat of my short cab Raptor."
Their dedication paid off as The Smoking Tire evolved from a small project into a respected name in automotive media.
Kitten Adoption: A Heartwarming Update
Timestamp [02:14] - 04:00
Matt shares uplifting news about the adoption of three kittens they rescued. Michael Tio Van Runkle and his wife provided a loving home, allowing the kittens to stay together and acclimate quickly.
Matt Farah [03:08]: "They're so pretty and they're really, really, really sweet. Unbelievably good around humans for cats that were just found."
The story underscores the hosts' commitment to giving back to the community beyond their automotive endeavors.
Reddit's "Can I Drive on This?" Segment
Timestamp [28:00] - 46:52
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing hilarious and alarming mechanical mishaps shared by listeners on Reddit. The popular segment "Can I Drive on This?" evaluates whether questionable vehicle conditions are safe for driving.
Example 1: Floating Brake Caliper
A listener posts an image of a brake caliper dislodged from the rotor, questioning its drivability.
Zach Klapman [28:52]: "And Matt's right. It looks like the pad has stuck to the rotor and the caliper has ejected over because this..."
The consensus among the hosts is clear: Do not drive in such a condition.
Matt Farah [29:18]: "No. It's not like an 80s tire. That looks interesting. It's just a fucking PSS."
Example 2: Broken Suspension Bushing
Another post shows a torn CV boot with extensive rust, debating the safety of driving the car.
Zach Klapman [39:03]: "It's gonna bounce around."
Matt Farah [39:09]: "I think that's fine, but it's only gonna get more expensive to fix the longer you drive it."
The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing such issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure safety.
Alpine A110 Review
Timestamp [48:53] - 66:43
The highlight of the episode is an in-depth review of the Alpine A110, a lightweight, mid-engine sports car admired for its agility, performance, and engineering excellence.
Performance and Design
Matt and Zach praise the Alpine A110 for its impressive power-to-weight ratio and responsive handling. Despite having 246 horsepower and weighing 2,450 pounds, the car feels significantly faster due to its wide torque band and dual-clutch gearbox.
Matt Farah [52:48]: "It has a very wide torque band and a really nice shifting dual clutch gearbox."
Zach adds that the car's lightweight construction enhances steering feel and reduces the need for oversized tires and brakes, contributing to a more balanced and enjoyable driving experience.
Zach Klapman [53:01]: "It's like compound interest but for lightweight stuff."
Interior and Practicality
While the Alpine excels in performance, the hosts note some compromises in practicality, such as limited storage space and the absence of cup holders. However, they appreciate the car's luxurious interior and comfortable seating.
Matt Farah [58:14]: "The interior is really good and it doesn't sound offensive on the outside."
Comparison to Other Models
The Alpine A110 is favorably compared to other sports cars like the BMW i3, Volvo XC70, and even high-end models like the Cayman and Boxster. Its versatility makes it suitable for both spirited driving and everyday use, though it may not be as storage-friendly as some competitors.
Zach Klapman [55:19]: "It's the most luxurious with the brown Sebelt leather seats."
Limitations and Market Availability
Despite its strengths, the Alpine A110 faces challenges in the U.S. market due to regulatory hurdles.
Matt Farah [63:14]: "David said if it wasn't for that pesky something something test, we would have been able to sell it in the US."
The hosts express a desire for broader availability, praising the car as a "fabulous automobile for a road car."
Live Show Announcements and Community Engagement
Timestamp [66:43] - 87:07
Matt and Zach announce upcoming live shows in Texas on July 24th in Houston and July 25th in Dallas, featuring guest Christian James Hand. They encourage listeners to attend for an engaging automotive experience, including interactions with fellow car enthusiasts and exclusive content for Patreon members.
Matt Farah [68:53]: "Join us for a part of our show. But you get a double feature and Christian's gonna fucking bring out the big guns for our audience."
Additionally, the hosts acknowledge their loyal patrons, highlighting limited edition merchandise and upcoming products, fostering a strong sense of community and gratitude.
Listener Questions and Automotive Advice
Timestamp [75:18] - 86:59
The episode addresses various listener questions, offering expert advice on automotive concerns:
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Building Confidence in Car Purchases: Matt and Zach suggest utilizing services like Turo to rent cars for extended periods or joining local car clubs to gain firsthand experience before making a purchase.
Zach Klapman [80:38]: "If you can make friends with someone that has one and they at least let you take it for a short drive."
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Hybrid and Manual Transmission Dilemmas: Discussing the scarcity of hybrids with manual transmissions, the hosts explore the balance between performance and practicality.
Matt Farah [82:35]: "They should, they absolutely should have made that car again."
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Protecting Vehicles from Environmental Factors: Tips on preventing UV damage and safeguarding cars from the elements are shared, emphasizing the use of protective products and car covers.
Matt Farah [92:55]: "There are all kinds of product ammo. Makes a great package here at the shop."
Automotive Industry Insights
Timestamp [87:07] - 93:10
The hosts delve into broader automotive industry topics, including:
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CAFE Standards and Legislative Changes: Matt explains how recent budget bills have creatively undermined CAFE fuel economy standards by setting the multiplication factor for violations to zero, effectively nullifying fines.
Matt Farah [76:07]: "They basically just set the multiplication factor to zero."
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Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Shipping Challenges: A humorous discussion on the difficulties of shipping EVs, suggesting innovative (albeit impractical) solutions like making planes electric-powered using the cars' battery packs.
Matt Farah [25:56]: "We're going to ship all EVs by air."
These insights highlight the evolving landscape of automotive regulations and the challenges faced by the industry in adapting to new technologies.
Conclusion
The episode of The Smoking Tire offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, expert automotive reviews, community stories, and industry insights. Celebrating a significant milestone, Matt and Zach demonstrate their enduring passion for cars and commitment to their listeners, making this episode both informative and engaging for automotive enthusiasts.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Farah at [05:08]: "That was 2010. Wow. That was a VF engineering car."
- Zach Klapman at [09:12]: "But you did sleep on some motel floors. You also rode for pretty long distances in the backseat of my short cab Raptor."
- Matt Farah at [28:52]: "No. It's not like an 80s tire. That looks interesting. It's just a fucking PSS."
- Zach Klapman at [53:01]: "It's like compound interest but for lightweight stuff."
- Matt Farah at [52:48]: "It has a very wide torque band and a really nice shifting dual clutch gearbox."
- Matt Farah at [58:14]: "The interior is really good and it doesn't sound offensive on the outside."
- Matt Farah at [76:07]: "They basically just set the multiplication factor to zero."
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the discussions, insights, and memorable moments shared by Matt and Zach.