The Smoking Tire Podcast

Episode: Does the Maserati MC20 GT2 Deliver on its Wings?

Date: February 24, 2026
Hosts: Matt Farah & Zack Klapman

Episode Overview

Matt and Zack record this episode while driving back from Willow Springs in the Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale, diving deep into its character as Maserati’s newest "track-focused" supercar. They offer a meticulous, experience-driven review, compare it to rivals, raise questions about performance and emotional engagement, and pepper in automotive industry banter. The second half takes a detour into nerdy hobbies (Magic: The Gathering and fountain pens), before answering a slew of engaging listener questions on everything from ADAS (driver assistance) systems to getting into vintage racing on a budget.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Driving Impressions: Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale

(01:47 – 29:36)

• Track & Road Experiences

  • Matt drove the GT2 at Willow Springs; Zack shares experience from Ascari in Spain.
  • The GT2 is "tracky," with more downforce, upgraded brakes, lighter weight, stickier tires, and less comfort compared to the standard MC20.
  • Brakes felt lackluster, with a soft initial bite not on par with modern ceramic standards.
  • Despite upgrades, the extra performance feels incremental, not transformative.
  • Sound is a letdown: "It just lacks like any of the verve and spice and kind of passion stuff..." (Zack, 07:53).
  • Cosmetic upgrades may overpromise: “We got wing, we got canards...but it's just like not that quick, not that exciting.” (Zack, 08:16)
  • Daily use is possible, but comfort sacrificed for little added excitement.
  • At this price ($325k+), the emotional and visceral engagement just isn’t there, especially next to wild cards like the Corvette ZR1.

• Comparison to Rivals

  • Versus Porsche and Ferrari, the MC20 GT2 doesn't measure up in outright performance or engagement.
  • Engine makes only +10hp over regular MC20, while Maserati’s racing version does 740hp; track version doesn’t approach that escalation.
  • The GT2 Stradale is called "barely street legal"—Matt laughs this off as exaggerated marketing (11:44).

• Ownership and Practicality

  • The GT2 can be had with less severe seats (recommended).
  • Still quite usable daily, but quirks annoy: “No cup holders is tough...Even in my quote track day car. I would like a cup holder.” (Matt, 17:50)
  • Boot-up times for infotainment are slow, inexplicable warning chimes, and poor ergonomics noted.
  • Sitting in the bucket seats is physically unpleasant for long journeys: “It's like your back is leaning against two...half-cut watermelons. It's weird.” (Zack, 49:03)
  • The car appeals most to buyers desiring exclusivity, not the last word in performance: “It’s really like someone who is unsatisfied with the other mainstream offerings and just sort of wants to be different.” (Matt, 20:35)
  • Holds value better than some expected, but not immune to depreciation.

Notable Quote:

“When stuff starts talking about numbers that start with a 3 [hundred thou], I need my head blown off.”
— Matt, (08:55)

Notable Quote:

“You’re going to be the only guy at the track day who’s got one. Maserati does mean something.”
— Matt, (21:27)

2. Nerdy Weekend Adventures: Magic & Fountain Pens

(29:36 – 45:18)

• Zack went to a Magic: The Gathering house party (not a tournament).
• Matt attended the California Pen Show: “...every bit as dorky as I hoped it could be.” (Matt, 30:12)
• Demographic breakdown: surprisingly decent number of women, especially into calligraphy.
• Pens ranged from $2 Japanese pens to $100,000 gold-and-jewel encrusted masterpieces.
• Matt’s purchases:
  • $200 anodized aluminum fountain pen with extra fine nib (“like Eddie Van Halen’s guitar,” 39:53)
  • $325 resin-bodied pen with steampunk, watch-gear inlays.
• Discussions on the tactile joy of fountain pens, incremental prices, and the illness (and joy) of collecting.

Notable Moment:

Matt’s “parent-style” incremental collecting: "You did that thing like a parent...If you take care of this, you know, prove that you’re really into having a pet." (Zack, 42:53)

3. Q&A Lightning Round: Car Culture, Ownership, & Industry

(45:18 – end)

Performance & Ownership

• Favorite Subarus? (48:05)
  • STI-swapped 2.5RS is the panel favorite.
• Would you buy an MC20 for a third off MSRP? (66:40)
  • “I still wouldn’t buy this car, but I would buy the regular MC20 for a third off.” (Zack)
  • "I would too." (Matt)

Industry & Market Trends

• Why does Buick still exist? (52:42)
  • Mostly for China, but less clear now; no emotional or product draw for younger US buyers.
• Rolex Market/Easy to Buy? (56:12)
  • Less hype, more availability recently; advice: create an occasion and ask AD for engraving to show you won’t flip it.
• Top Gear Revival? (70:03)
  • Matt: Uninterested in direct revival—stone is cast by original cast's chemistry and writing.
  • Zack: Any revival needs new talent with similar rapport and wit (referencing Throttle House as a new-gen example).
• Nameplates That Came Back Stronger? (62:30)
  • Bronco (clear winner), FJ Cruiser, Corvette Stingray, Aston Vanquish, Supra (possibly).

Driving & ADAS (Active Driver Assistance Systems)

• ADAS Annoyances & Pros/Cons (64:07, 73:16)
  • Both agree ADAS is beneficial for most, but must be fully and permanently deactivatable for enthusiasts.
  • Insurance claim fears over disabling ADAS seem unfounded as of now.
  • “My problem with ADAS isn’t that it exists, it’s that you can’t fully disable it or the process is a pain." (Matt, 64:26)

Listener Projects & Recommendations

• Best way into a vintage rally for under $50k? (50:14)
  • Seek esoteric, low-profile race cars with actual event history rather than "shitty Porsches."
• $40k RWD Manual Fun Car? (67:04)
  • C5/C6 Corvette, second-gen CTS-V, 996 Carrera 4S—options depend on priorities.
• Golf GTI vs Golf R vs GR Corolla for daily, spirited use? (67:54)
  • Golf R “just a better car,” but GR Corolla is motorsportier.

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment/Topic | |-------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 01:47–11:08 | Initial review/impressions of MC20 GT2 | | 11:42–19:49 | Comfort, options, practicality, and user experience | | 20:35–24:28 | Target market and who this Maserati is really for | | 24:28–29:36 | Behavior at/over the limit, chassis balance | | 29:36–45:18 | Pen show, collecting pens, hobby psychology | | 45:18–54:07 | Listener Q&A: Subarus, vintage rallies, market trends | | 56:12–62:16 | Luxury watches, nameplate revivals, insurance Qs | | 64:07–66:18 | ADAS systems, enthusiast vs. general driver | | 66:40–end | MC20 at a discount, fun car buying advice, Top Gear |

Memorable Quotes

“If there’s 10 categories and you’re charging 300 gram, you need three or four of those categories to be 10 out of 10…”
— Matt, 19:15

“I just think the road car and especially the Spider is one of the most beautiful mid-engine cars made…pretty much of any era.”
— Zack, 28:10

"You're going to be the only guy at the cars and coffee who's got one."
— Matt, 21:27

“I love to love Maserati, but it's like, if they turn that volume knob from 8 to 10... I don't know if the development, the budget, or the bones are there.”
— Zack, 25:23

“A fountain pen, you don’t have to apply any pressure to the page...my hands feel better afterwards.”
— Matt, 44:43

Tone & Style

Matt and Zack keep their conversation candid, irreverent, and highly knowledgeable: automotive details are mixed with playful sarcasm and the comforting informality that marks long-term partnerships behind the mic. Their critique is honest without being unduly harsh; obsession with the details (seats, sound dampening, boot times) is matched by a willingness to admit their own quirks and indulgences, whether in cars or collecting.

This summary covers all main topics, key opinions, standout moments, listener engagement, and provides a clear reference for those who missed the episode.