Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire Episode Title: Audi E-Tron GT Perf. Incar w/ Kyle Kinard; What's a "Real" Ferrari Experience? Release Date: April 22, 2025 Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah

Introduction

In this episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zack Klapman delve into a multifaceted automotive discussion. The episode features an in-depth exploration of Matt's newly modified Porsche Taycan, a comprehensive review of the Audi E-Tron GT Performance with Kyle Kinard from Motor1, and a lively Q&A session addressing listeners' questions about Ferrari experiences and the distinctions between the Porsche Macan and Cayenne.

Segment 1: In-Studio Discussion on Porsche Taycan Modifications

The episode kicks off with Matt Farah sharing his recent modifications to his Porsche Taycan, specifically the installation of new HRE 522 wheels. Matt expresses excitement mixed with apprehension about how these changes affect the car's aesthetics and performance.

Notable Highlights:

• Brake Visibility: Matt reveals that the new wheels expose the car's steel calipers, which were previously concealed. He discusses the potential for painting the brakes gloss black but opts to clean them instead to maintain a natural look.
  Matt Farah [03:29]: "I could have, for two grand in the same amount of time painted the brakes gloss black. But I didn't."

• Wheel Width and Handling: The discussion shifts to the increased width of the new tires (265 front, 305 rear) compared to the stock setup (245 front, 285 rear). Matt notes that while the weight reduction from the new wheels is negligible in everyday driving, the wider stance likely contributes more to the altered handling dynamics.
  Zack Klapman [09:44]: "But you're curious, like, why haven't I felt the difference? It's such a small percentage of the vehicle."

• Aftermarket Modifications vs. Factory Settings: Matt touches on the debate between aftermarket hardware modifications and software tweaks, ultimately favoring solutions that preserve the vehicle's original ride quality.

Segment 2: Audi E-Tron GT Performance Review with Kyle Kinard

The second major segment features an exclusive review of the Audi E-Tron GT Performance, co-hosted with Kyle Kinard of Motor1. This high-performance electric vehicle discussion centers on horsepower, acceleration, suspension systems, and overall driving experience.

Notable Highlights:

• Horsepower and Acceleration: The Audi E-Tron GT Performance boasts an impressive 912 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2 seconds. Matt and Kyle compare this to the Porsche Taycan Turbo models, noting that while both are powerful, the Audi offers distinct performance characteristics.
  Matt Farah [25:30]: "It's a 912 horsepower, Audi's quickest and fast, not fastest accelerating, Accelerating."

• Suspension and Handling: The conversation delves into the car's hydraulic suspension system, adapted from the Taycan, which actively leans the body during cornering. While this enhances comfort and stability at high speeds, Kyle points out occasional issues at extreme velocities where the suspension feels unresponsive.
  Zack Klapman [30:12]: "It's gonna try to keep that car as flat as possible, not necessarily actively leaning into the corner."

• Regenerative Braking: Audi has enhanced the regenerative braking (regen) capability, allowing more braking force before the traditional calipers engage. This shift aims to provide a smoother transition between regen and mechanical braking.
  Matt Farah [33:01]: "They've increased the regen capability of the motors. So now even more of that braking is done by Regen before you even get to the caliper."

• Design and Features: Despite the high performance, Matt criticizes the Audi for its square steering wheel and plastic door handles, contrasting sharply with the more refined interiors of competitors like Porsche.
  Matt Farah [37:27]: "I hate square steering wheels so much. I just am so against them."

Segment 3: Listener Q&A – Ferrari Experience & Porsche Macan vs. Cayenne

The episode transitions to a Q&A segment where Matt and Zack address questions from their patrons, providing expert opinions on various automotive topics.

Notable Highlights:

Q1: Is Driving a Rented Ferrari a "Real" Ferrari Experience?

A listener wonders whether driving a rented Ferrari California convertible equates to having a genuine Ferrari experience compared to driving a front-engine Corvette.

Hosts' Response:

• Matt Farah: Asserts that driving any Ferrari model, including rentals like the California, constitutes a real Ferrari experience, emphasizing the brand's legacy and the intrinsic qualities that define a Ferrari drive.
  Matt Farah [60:45]: "You absolutely had a fucking Ferrari experience. The very definition is having a drive in something that is called, that came out of Maranello is a Ferrari experience."

• Zack Klapman: Adds that while driving a Miata or similar cars could offer fun experiences, they do not replicate the sound, engine performance, and overall feel unique to Ferraris.
  Zack Klapman [61:05]: "Technically, you're driving a Ferrari. But it sounds like a Ferrari. It's got a good Ferrari engine."

Q2: Porsche Macan vs. Cayenne – Performance and Practicality

Another listener compares the Porsche Macan S with a Mark 8 Golf, questioning whether the Cayenne offers a substantial performance boost over the Macan.

Hosts' Response:

• Matt Farah: Suggests that higher trims of the Macan, like the GTS, provide a noticeable performance difference compared to the standard models, but the Cayenne, especially with V8 options, does offer significant power. However, he notes that Macans are lighter and more agile, making them more fun for spirited driving.
  Matt Farah [55:24]: "The Macan GTS or like the higher performance trim does feel significantly different. But the Cayennes with V8s and stuff... do."

• Zack Klapman: Prefers the Macan for its agility and driving enjoyment, especially for those who do not require the additional space and power of the Cayenne. He emphasizes that the Macan feels more nimble and engaging.
  Zack Klapman [55:55]: "I think they're more fun to drive quickly. So I would rather, if I was gonna have a fun car and I didn't need all the extra space... I would much rather drive a higher spec Macan than a medium spec Cayenne."

Conclusion

In this episode, Matt and Zack provide a thorough examination of high-performance electric vehicles, specifically focusing on the Audi E-Tron GT Performance's capabilities and how it stacks up against the Porsche Taycan. Their candid discussions about vehicle modifications, performance enhancements, and listener inquiries offer valuable insights for automotive enthusiasts. The episode underscores the balance between performance, practicality, and brand-specific driving experiences, especially when comparing luxury brands like Audi and Porsche.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah [03:29]: "I could have... painted the brakes gloss black. But I didn't."
• Matt Farah [25:30]: "It's a 912 horsepower, Audi's quickest and fast, not fastest accelerating, Accelerating."
• Matt Farah [55:24]: "The Macan GTS or like the higher performance trim does feel significantly different."
• Matt Farah [60:45]: "You absolutely had a fucking Ferrari experience."
• Zack Klapman [55:55]: "I think they're more fun to drive quickly. So I would much rather drive a higher spec Macan than a medium spec Cayenne."

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