Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – Episode: BGB Cayman Turbo S Review; Better Beetle Story; PCH Opens

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah
Podcast Title: The Smoking Tire
Description: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman engage with automotive icons, pro drivers, comedians, and friends to discuss the latest in automotive news, racing, projects, and more.

1. BGB Motorsport Twin Turbo Porsche Cayman with 911 Turbo S Powertrain Review

[18:33] Matt Farah:
The episode kicks off with Matt driving the BGB Motorsport Twin Turbo Porsche Cayman, which features a 911 Turbo S powertrain. This unique modification involves fitting a more powerful engine into the Cayman, resulting in enhanced performance and an exhilarating driving experience.

Zach Klapman:
Zach shares his excitement, stating, "This was the most exciting Cayman I've ever driven. It feels like driving a McLaren 650 with the agility and sound of a Porsche Flat Six."

Key Features Discussed:

• Engine Swap: Installation of a 911 Turbo S engine into a 2016 Cayman GTS.
• Performance Metrics: The modified Cayman produces approximately 580 wheel horsepower, translating to 650 horsepower at the crank. This setup delivers a robust torque curve, peaking around 4,100 RPM.
• Sound and Handling: The car is notably louder, with an exhaust drone that adds to the motorsport feel. Handling is described as thrilling yet challenging, especially without additional aerodynamic enhancements like a wing.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah: "This car is really a handful. Very, very exciting."
• Zach Klapman: "He [John from BGB] is tearing his hair out trying to figure out how to get rid of this drone. '2600 to 3300 is drone town,' he says." ([28:50])

Performance Insights:

• The Cayman handles corners with a tight, responsive feel but requires careful braking to manage the rear-end tendency due to the powerful torque.
• Suspension and braking upgrades, including Clubsport brakes and modified control arms, contribute to the car's improved handling dynamics.

Conclusion:
Both hosts agree that while the car offers unparalleled excitement and performance, it remains unsuitable as a daily driver due to its extreme modifications and accompanying noise levels. The BGB Cayman Turbo S stands as a testament to innovative engine swaps, pushing the boundaries of the Cayman’s capabilities.

2. Zach's Mom's Volkswagen Beetle Story

[13:09] Zach Klapman:
Zach delves into a nostalgic story about his mother's Volkswagen Beetle. His mom originally owned an MG TD, a classic British car known for its charm and participation in hill climb events. However, after her boyfriend crashed the MG TD, she opted for the more humble and reliable Volkswagen Beetle.

Matt Farah:
Matt adds context, highlighting the practical reasons behind the switch: affordability, ease of maintenance, and the Beetle's reputation for being a cool and innovative vehicle. He references his mother's view of the Beetle as "the Tesla truck," appreciating its shape, easy gear shifts, and agility.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Klapman: "She wrote kind of like the Tesla truck. I'll explain when I see them this week."
• Matt Farah: "The Volkswagen was super cool and innovative at the time. She wrote kind of like the Tesla truck."

Discussion Points:

• Transition from MG TD to Beetle: The shift was driven by practicality after the crash and the need for a more reliable vehicle.
• Innovative Aspects: The Beetle's design, including its rear-engine layout and front trunk (frunk), drew comparisons to modern vehicles like Tesla’s trucks.

Conclusion:
The hosts share a heartfelt appreciation for classic cars like the MG TD and Beetle, emphasizing the sentimental and practical factors influencing car ownership decisions. Zach’s mom’s story underscores the enduring appeal and reliability of the Volkswagen Beetle.

3. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Reopens

[21:43] Matt Farah:
Matt shares his experience driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for the first time since its recent reopening. The highway, renowned for its scenic beauty and as a major commuting route, had been closed, causing significant traffic issues.

Zach Klapman:
Zach emphasizes the importance of PCH, noting, "It's probably the busiest scenic highway in the United States that's also used for commuting."

Key Insights:

• Traffic Relief: The reopening alleviates traffic congestion that had been problematic for the past five and a half months.
• Scenic Drive: Drivers can now enjoy the picturesque views of Malibu and support local businesses and restaurants along the route.
• Road Conditions: While partially functional, there are minor imperfections like wrinkled tarmac from heat damage, but overall, the highway is in decent condition for sports cars.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah: "It's good to have at least partial PCH back. People were getting really upset about PCH not reopening."
• Zach Klapman: "Can do in a sports car both ways. It's a lot of fun."

Discussion Points:

• Impact on Commuters and Tourists: The reopening benefits both daily commuters and tourists, making travel more efficient and enjoyable.
• Road Maintenance: Some sections are still being improved, with minor bumps and imperfections that are manageable for most vehicles.

Conclusion:
The hosts express relief and optimism with the PCH reopening, highlighting its significance for both local commuters and automotive enthusiasts. They encourage listeners to drive safely and appreciate the scenic drive that PCH offers.

4. Listener Engagement and Casual Conversations

Throughout the episode, Zack and Matt engage in various lighthearted discussions, listener questions, and personal anecdotes, enhancing the podcast's engaging and personable atmosphere.

Notable Interactions:

• Advertising Segments: While the podcast includes promotional content for sponsors like Off the Record, Truewerk, and Smalls Cat Food, these sections are brief and seamlessly integrated without disrupting the main content flow.

• Personal Stories and Humor:

  • Matt recounts a humorous incident where his desk spontaneously combusted twice, including stories from his youth involving mysterious table explosions.
  • Both hosts share amusing experiences related to cat care, automotive projects, and music preferences, adding depth to their camaraderie.

Quotes Highlighting Personality:

• Matt Farah: "I've never hit anything like big. I've once hit a rabbit while on a motorcycle, which was pretty nuts."
• Zach Klapman: "I love this science experiment," referring to the modified Cayman, showcasing his enthusiasm for automotive innovations.

Conclusion:
The hosts maintain a balance between technical discussions and relatable, entertaining conversations, making the podcast appealing to both car enthusiasts and general listeners. Their chemistry and humor contribute to a lively and enjoyable listening experience.

5. Upcoming Content and Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Matt and Zack provide teasers for future content, including a six-month update on Matt’s Taycan and his experience living with a hybrid 911 GTS.

[80:50] Matt Farah:
"Check out our latest video which is my six-month Taycan update. I'll also have a video about living with the 911 GTS Hybrid for a week, covering both launch and canyon driving experiences."

Final Thoughts:
The hosts thank their patrons and listeners, encouraging them to stay tuned for more exciting discussions and reviews in upcoming episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Modifications: The BGB Cayman Turbo S showcases the potential of engine swaps, blending performance with unique engineering.
• Classic Car Stories: Zach’s mom’s transition from an MG TD to a VW Beetle highlights the enduring charm and practicality of classic vehicles.
• Scenic Drives Restored: The reopening of the Pacific Coast Highway brings both relief to commuters and enjoyment to automotive enthusiasts.
• Engaging Hosts: Matt and Zack blend technical expertise with personal anecdotes, creating an engaging and relatable podcast experience.

For more detailed discussions and automotive insights, visit The Smoking Tire YouTube Channel and follow their updates on Twitter and Instagram @thesmokingtire and @zackklapman.