The Smoking Tire Podcast

Episode: "Driven: The new 992.2 Porsche 911 Turbo S"

Hosts: Matt Farah, Zack Klapman
Date: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Matt Farah and Zack Klapman dive deep into Matt’s recent test of the 2025 Porsche 911 992.2 Turbo S, which he drove extensively at both road and track events in Spain. Matt shares technical insights, first impressions, comparisons to previous Porsche models, and recounts memorable moments from the exclusive press trip. The duo also touches on recent automotive news—including Tesla Roadster deposit refunds and Lamborghini’s new 10-year, unlimited mileage warranty—before answering audience questions and sharing some Porsche-related show-and-tell.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Matt’s Spain Trip & Press Launch Experience

[02:11] Matt describes the exclusive nature of the Turbo S press event in Marbella, Spain—attendance was limited to a handful of prominent automotive journalists and YouTubers (including Chris Harris and Jack from Savage Geese).
[03:00] Each journalist had their own car to test; Matt drove both the coupe (on track) and convertible (on street).
[04:26] At Ascari circuit: Very little oversight from Porsche, lots of freedom to drive hard ("Green means go").

Quote — Matt Farah [05:41]:

"Open, full circuit for like two hours. I mean, it was pretty, pretty, pretty good."

2. 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2) — Technical & First Impressions

Exterior changes: New front and rear bumper designs; vertical front grilles ("eyebrow" style).
[08:34] Engine: Completely different from previous gen—shorter, wider to accommodate hybrid tech.
Hybrid system: Two electric turbos, each with its own electric motor (spools at idle, wide power band, 701hp/590lb-ft).
[10:49] First dual-exhaust 911, with unique new exhaust tip design (option to revert to last year's oval shape).
[16:19] Same battery as GTS, no accessory belt drive (all accessories run off 400V hybrid system).
[17:19] New PDCC system—uses hybrid power for fast-acting anti-roll/shock tuning ("best body control I've ever driven in a 911" — [18:04]).

Quote — Matt Farah [18:04]:

"This grey car that I drove had the best body control of any 911 I've ever driven over bumpy weird roads."

Weight: The cabriolet cracks 4,000 lbs curb weight for the first time in a 911 (~4011 lbs); coupe ~3829 lbs.

3. Driving Impressions (Street and Track)

[21:02] Matt predicts future servicing of the car will be a nightmare due to advanced tech.
Aerodynamics: Most efficient Turbo S yet—active aero elements and new intake.
Performance:
- Ridiculously fast, but undramatic.
- 0–60 in 2.5s (Porsche-quoted), quarter mile in low 10s—Matt suspects it can run 9s with tires and gas.
- New "tire warmup mode" (aka burnout mode) allows impressive standing burnouts without needing to ride the brake ([28:56]).

Memorable Moment — Burnout Mode [29:03]:

"You hold both paddles, then you floor it... When you dump the paddles, it goes... rear wheel drive only clutch drop." — Matt Farah

Handling:
- Track: Forgiving, masks mistakes, very stable. You have to provoke it to get it sideways; front AWD only receives about 5% of torque dynamically ([30:33]).
- Road: Size becomes a challenge on narrow European roads, but the ride quality is excellent, even over bad surfaces. Notably, the Turbo S provides superior bumpy-road comfort compared to the GTS ([33:43]).

4. Turbo S vs. GTS and Previous Porsches

[33:07] Turbo S now about $60k more than a GTS; 170hp difference, but performance only noticeably different in a few scenarios.
Suspension/Body Control: Turbo S more composed and better on bumpy roads; both cars similar for normal road use.
[34:37] Most buyers "won't notice" 530 vs. 701hp except at high speeds.
Track driving: Turbo S is more about composure/competence, less about playful character vs. earlier Turbo models.

Quote — Matt Farah [40:23]:

"I don't think, I couldn't tell you with a straight face that had I done that drive [Tail of the Dragon] in a Turbo, I would have had a better time."

5. Hybrid Tech — Porsche’s Positioning

[42:08] Porsche is hesitant to label the car a “hybrid,” as 911 buyers are resistant to the term.
Despite hybridization, the car preserves traditional 911 feel and performance, benefitting mostly from instant torque and smooth start/stop action.

Quote — Matt Farah [42:15]:

"They joked during the presentation their customers do not like the word hybrid. Oh, on 911."

6. Unique Turbo S Features

Interior Callouts: Unique leather seat inserts, dry carbon dash trim, more standard equipment (leather, Burmester, adaptive lighting, etc.), 21"/20" Pirelli P-Zero R tires ([43:06]).
Radar cruise: Presumed standard but not confirmed.

7. Industry News & Side Topics

A. Lamborghini’s 10-Year, Unlimited Mileage Warranty

[21:59] Matt and Zack calculate the surprising value proposition for buyers (use, depreciation, maintenance vs. traditional leasing).

Quote — Matt Farah [23:49]:

"When a manufacturer like Lamborghini does 10 year unlimited mile warranties... there is no better time to... daily a Lambo."

B. Tesla Roadster Refunds

[48:46] Tesla Roadster deposit holders (many waited 8+ years) are finally asking for refunds—often facing bureaucracy, poor communication, and even staff unfamiliarity with the product.
Discussion about the fantasy specs (rocket thrusters, 250mph, etc.) and the surreal persistence of early buyers.

Quote — Matt Farah [50:34]:

"Maybe two [years of waiting]. But like, crimes are legal is what I'm trying to say. It gets proven every single day. Crimes are just legal, if it's white collar crime and you're a white person."

8. Show & Tell

[45:36] Matt demos a 3D printed cupholder for his Porsche, designed to fit behind the shifter.
[46:56] Zack and Matt discuss the potential of home 3D printing for automotive and everyday hacks.
Larry Casilla’s AMMO Watch collaboration: Purpose-driven watch (rubber bezel and strap to prevent scratching cars), limited to 100 units ([47:34]).

9. Viewer Q&A & General Auto Talk

(key highlights & recommendations)

Golf R and BMW 328d wagons as versatile, fun used cars for $25-45k [53:45]
Most luxury cars' base trims offer less value/features than loaded mainstream models ([55:34])
Mounting cameras for weekend drives: GoPro, DJI, phone, plus suction cup recommendations ([56:41])
'56 Chevy discussion—a reference to classic car culture and naming ([57:55])
LED lighting trends in modern cars; expected longevity of over-the-top front-end light elements ([59:04])
Buying microbrand watches: Use forums, read reviews, check return policies ([61:49])
Crown Vic modification advice (less cop-looking is better for practicality and parking) ([64:13])
Aston Vantage vs. AMG GT depreciation/ownership realities ([64:50])

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Press freedom at Ascari: "It was literally green means go. Wow, that's cool." — Matt Farah [05:41]
Body control: "Best I've ever driven in a 911 over bumpy weird roads." — Matt Farah [18:04]
Hybrid system skepticism: "Their customers do not like the word hybrid. Oh, on 911." — Matt Farah [42:15]
Value of Lamborghini warranty: "If you ever were like, what would it be like to really fucking daily a Lambo, there is a pretty good financial argument..." — Matt Farah [23:49]
Turbo S vs. GTS: "Most of the time it's not a faster car...the difference happens above 80 mph." — Matt Farah [34:37]
Tesla deposits: "Crimes are legal is what I'm trying to say. It gets proven every single day." — Matt Farah [50:34]

Conclusion & Tone

This episode blends technical deep-dives (especially on the new hybridized Porsche Turbo S) with candid, humorous banter between Matt and Zack. The show balances hardcore car analysis, industry gossip, and practical advice for enthusiasts—staying true to its casual, geeky tone throughout. Matt’s post-jetlag energy adds a slightly delirious, entertaining vibe as he shares fresh impressions from his whirlwind Spain trip, while audience Q&A rounds out the show with quick advice and offbeat observations.

Episode Navigation (Timestamps)

00:00-07:00 — Spain trip, exclusive press event setup
08:00-19:00 — Hybrid engine tech, exterior changes, driving impressions
20:00-22:00 — Aerodynamics, projected service challenges
28:00-32:00 — Burnout mode and track talk
33:00-35:00 — Turbo S vs. GTS, real-world practicality
42:00-45:00 — "Hybrid" branding, unique trim/features
46:00-48:00 — Porsche Show & Tell, AMMO watch
48:45-52:00 — Tesla Roadster refunds saga
53:45-end — Audience Q&A, classic car talk, general recommendations

Final advice from Matt ([40:23]):

"Even though the top this, like there are a select situations where this [Turbo S] is really worth that extra spend over GTS or an S... I think I had exactly the same time I would have had in either car."

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode for listeners interested in both the new Porsche Turbo S and broader car culture.

The Smoking Tire Podcast

Episode: "Driven: The new 992.2 Porsche 911 Turbo S"

Hosts: Matt Farah, Zack Klapman
Date: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Matt’s Spain Trip & Press Launch Experience

[02:11] Matt describes the exclusive nature of the Turbo S press event in Marbella, Spain—attendance was limited to a handful of prominent automotive journalists and YouTubers (including Chris Harris and Jack from Savage Geese).
[03:00] Each journalist had their own car to test; Matt drove both the coupe (on track) and convertible (on street).
[04:26] At Ascari circuit: Very little oversight from Porsche, lots of freedom to drive hard ("Green means go").

Quote — Matt Farah [05:41]:

"Open, full circuit for like two hours. I mean, it was pretty, pretty, pretty good."

2. 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2) — Technical & First Impressions

Exterior changes: New front and rear bumper designs; vertical front grilles ("eyebrow" style).
[08:34] Engine: Completely different from previous gen—shorter, wider to accommodate hybrid tech.
Hybrid system: Two electric turbos, each with its own electric motor (spools at idle, wide power band, 701hp/590lb-ft).
[10:49] First dual-exhaust 911, with unique new exhaust tip design (option to revert to last year's oval shape).
[16:19] Same battery as GTS, no accessory belt drive (all accessories run off 400V hybrid system).
[17:19] New PDCC system—uses hybrid power for fast-acting anti-roll/shock tuning ("best body control I've ever driven in a 911" — [18:04]).

Quote — Matt Farah [18:04]:

"This grey car that I drove had the best body control of any 911 I've ever driven over bumpy weird roads."

Weight: The cabriolet cracks 4,000 lbs curb weight for the first time in a 911 (~4011 lbs); coupe ~3829 lbs.

3. Driving Impressions (Street and Track)

[21:02] Matt predicts future servicing of the car will be a nightmare due to advanced tech.
Aerodynamics: Most efficient Turbo S yet—active aero elements and new intake.
Performance:
- Ridiculously fast, but undramatic.
- 0–60 in 2.5s (Porsche-quoted), quarter mile in low 10s—Matt suspects it can run 9s with tires and gas.
- New "tire warmup mode" (aka burnout mode) allows impressive standing burnouts without needing to ride the brake ([28:56]).

Memorable Moment — Burnout Mode [29:03]:

"You hold both paddles, then you floor it... When you dump the paddles, it goes... rear wheel drive only clutch drop." — Matt Farah

Handling:
- Track: Forgiving, masks mistakes, very stable. You have to provoke it to get it sideways; front AWD only receives about 5% of torque dynamically ([30:33]).
- Road: Size becomes a challenge on narrow European roads, but the ride quality is excellent, even over bad surfaces. Notably, the Turbo S provides superior bumpy-road comfort compared to the GTS ([33:43]).

4. Turbo S vs. GTS and Previous Porsches

[33:07] Turbo S now about $60k more than a GTS; 170hp difference, but performance only noticeably different in a few scenarios.
Suspension/Body Control: Turbo S more composed and better on bumpy roads; both cars similar for normal road use.
[34:37] Most buyers "won't notice" 530 vs. 701hp except at high speeds.
Track driving: Turbo S is more about composure/competence, less about playful character vs. earlier Turbo models.

Quote — Matt Farah [40:23]:

"I don't think, I couldn't tell you with a straight face that had I done that drive [Tail of the Dragon] in a Turbo, I would have had a better time."

5. Hybrid Tech — Porsche’s Positioning

[42:08] Porsche is hesitant to label the car a “hybrid,” as 911 buyers are resistant to the term.
Despite hybridization, the car preserves traditional 911 feel and performance, benefitting mostly from instant torque and smooth start/stop action.

Quote — Matt Farah [42:15]:

"They joked during the presentation their customers do not like the word hybrid. Oh, on 911."

6. Unique Turbo S Features

Interior Callouts: Unique leather seat inserts, dry carbon dash trim, more standard equipment (leather, Burmester, adaptive lighting, etc.), 21"/20" Pirelli P-Zero R tires ([43:06]).
Radar cruise: Presumed standard but not confirmed.

7. Industry News & Side Topics

A. Lamborghini’s 10-Year, Unlimited Mileage Warranty

[21:59] Matt and Zack calculate the surprising value proposition for buyers (use, depreciation, maintenance vs. traditional leasing).

Quote — Matt Farah [23:49]:

"When a manufacturer like Lamborghini does 10 year unlimited mile warranties... there is no better time to... daily a Lambo."

B. Tesla Roadster Refunds

[48:46] Tesla Roadster deposit holders (many waited 8+ years) are finally asking for refunds—often facing bureaucracy, poor communication, and even staff unfamiliarity with the product.
Discussion about the fantasy specs (rocket thrusters, 250mph, etc.) and the surreal persistence of early buyers.

Quote — Matt Farah [50:34]:

"Maybe two [years of waiting]. But like, crimes are legal is what I'm trying to say. It gets proven every single day. Crimes are just legal, if it's white collar crime and you're a white person."

8. Show & Tell

[45:36] Matt demos a 3D printed cupholder for his Porsche, designed to fit behind the shifter.
[46:56] Zack and Matt discuss the potential of home 3D printing for automotive and everyday hacks.
Larry Casilla’s AMMO Watch collaboration: Purpose-driven watch (rubber bezel and strap to prevent scratching cars), limited to 100 units ([47:34]).

9. Viewer Q&A & General Auto Talk

(key highlights & recommendations)

Golf R and BMW 328d wagons as versatile, fun used cars for $25-45k [53:45]
Most luxury cars' base trims offer less value/features than loaded mainstream models ([55:34])
Mounting cameras for weekend drives: GoPro, DJI, phone, plus suction cup recommendations ([56:41])
'56 Chevy discussion—a reference to classic car culture and naming ([57:55])
LED lighting trends in modern cars; expected longevity of over-the-top front-end light elements ([59:04])
Buying microbrand watches: Use forums, read reviews, check return policies ([61:49])
Crown Vic modification advice (less cop-looking is better for practicality and parking) ([64:13])
Aston Vantage vs. AMG GT depreciation/ownership realities ([64:50])

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Press freedom at Ascari: "It was literally green means go. Wow, that's cool." — Matt Farah [05:41]
Body control: "Best I've ever driven in a 911 over bumpy weird roads." — Matt Farah [18:04]
Hybrid system skepticism: "Their customers do not like the word hybrid. Oh, on 911." — Matt Farah [42:15]
Value of Lamborghini warranty: "If you ever were like, what would it be like to really fucking daily a Lambo, there is a pretty good financial argument..." — Matt Farah [23:49]
Turbo S vs. GTS: "Most of the time it's not a faster car...the difference happens above 80 mph." — Matt Farah [34:37]
Tesla deposits: "Crimes are legal is what I'm trying to say. It gets proven every single day." — Matt Farah [50:34]

Conclusion & Tone

Episode Navigation (Timestamps)

00:00-07:00 — Spain trip, exclusive press event setup
08:00-19:00 — Hybrid engine tech, exterior changes, driving impressions
20:00-22:00 — Aerodynamics, projected service challenges
28:00-32:00 — Burnout mode and track talk
33:00-35:00 — Turbo S vs. GTS, real-world practicality
42:00-45:00 — "Hybrid" branding, unique trim/features
46:00-48:00 — Porsche Show & Tell, AMMO watch
48:45-52:00 — Tesla Roadster refunds saga
53:45-end — Audience Q&A, classic car talk, general recommendations

Final advice from Matt ([40:23]):

"Even though the top this, like there are a select situations where this [Turbo S] is really worth that extra spend over GTS or an S... I think I had exactly the same time I would have had in either car."

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode for listeners interested in both the new Porsche Turbo S and broader car culture.

Driven: The new 992.2 Porsche 911 Turbo S

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Summary

The Smoking Tire Podcast

Episode: "Driven: The new 992.2 Porsche 911 Turbo S"

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Matt’s Spain Trip & Press Launch Experience

2. 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2) — Technical & First Impressions

3. Driving Impressions (Street and Track)

4. Turbo S vs. GTS and Previous Porsches

5. Hybrid Tech — Porsche’s Positioning

6. Unique Turbo S Features

7. Industry News & Side Topics

A. Lamborghini’s 10-Year, Unlimited Mileage Warranty

B. Tesla Roadster Refunds

8. Show & Tell

9. Viewer Q&A & General Auto Talk

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Conclusion & Tone

Episode Navigation (Timestamps)

Summary

The Smoking Tire Podcast

Episode: "Driven: The new 992.2 Porsche 911 Turbo S"

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Matt’s Spain Trip & Press Launch Experience

2. 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2) — Technical & First Impressions

3. Driving Impressions (Street and Track)

4. Turbo S vs. GTS and Previous Porsches

5. Hybrid Tech — Porsche’s Positioning

6. Unique Turbo S Features

7. Industry News & Side Topics

A. Lamborghini’s 10-Year, Unlimited Mileage Warranty

B. Tesla Roadster Refunds

8. Show & Tell

9. Viewer Q&A & General Auto Talk

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Conclusion & Tone

Episode Navigation (Timestamps)