The Smoking Tire Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: INEOS Off-road; OEM vs Engine Builder; Australian Supercar License
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah

1. INEOS Grenadier Off-Roading Adventure

Timestamp Highlight: [03:00]

Matt Farah and Zack Klapman kick off the episode by recounting their recent off-roading trip in the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster pickup truck. Emphasizing that the Grenadier is a production vehicle rather than a prototype, they express confidence in its reliability, noting, “The engine should work... Solid axles are fairly simple. It’s not experimental” ([04:55], Zach Klapman).

Key Discussion Points:

• Power Steering Challenges: Both hosts discuss the Grenadier’s power steering system, which struggles at low speeds, leading to a constant whistling noise. Matt remarks, “It seems like it struggles a little bit” ([05:57]).
• Vehicle Robustness: Despite minor issues, they conclude that the Grenadier performs well off the trail and plan to produce a detailed video review. Zack adds, “But overall I think the review of this vehicle is pretty positive” ([06:05]).
• Aesthetic and Practical Features: They joke about potential aftermarket additions like roller shades for the Grenadier's glass panels and ponder its suitability as an estate manager’s vehicle, highlighting its spaciousness and functionality.

2. Australia's New Supercar High Performance License

Timestamp Highlight: [27:37]

The conversation shifts to recent news from Australia, where the introduction of a high performance driving license for supercar owners has led to the first citations. Matt explains, “They got a ticket for no tags and they got a ticket for driving without the ultra high performance license” ([28:52]).

Key Discussion Points:

• License Requirements: The new law mandates that owners of vehicles exceeding a specific power-to-weight ratio must obtain a specialized license. Matt shares his long-held belief that there should be a high performance license with additional training and restrictions.
• Critique of the Regulation: Zack suggests that the regulation appears more as a revenue generator than a genuine safety measure, questioning its effectiveness and comprehensiveness. He states, “I think they'll just restructure” ([31:23]).
• Implementation Concerns: Both hosts express skepticism about the depth of the licensing course, with Matt describing it as a “pretty bullshit” ([30:48]), and Zack highlighting potential loopholes and enforcement challenges.

3. Demand Cayman vs Stock GT3: Rental Recommendations in Los Angeles

Timestamp Highlight: [35:40]

Listener Eric inquires about purchasing a Porsche. Matt discusses his general manager Eric’s 997.2 Turbo manual with low mileage and an extended warranty, highlighting its rarity and value.

Later, listener Christian seeks advice on choosing between a new BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or a Range Rover Sport for renting in LA. Zack recommends the Range Rover Sport for its visibility and comfort, while Matt suggests alternatives like the Panamera for a balanced ride.

Key Insights:

• Porsche GT3 Reliability: Matt shares experiences regarding the reliability of high-performance Porsche engines, noting that while he hasn't personally witnessed engine failures, others have reported significant issues early in usage ([47:57]).
• Vehicle Selection for Comfort: The Range Rover Sport is favored for its soft ride and practicality in urban settings, making it an ideal choice for LA’s diverse driving conditions.

4. Listener Questions and Discussions

Timestamp Highlight: [37:31]

The hosts engage with several listener-submitted questions, offering expert opinions on a variety of automotive topics.

Highlighted Questions:

• Audi RS3 vs RS5 ([37:54]):
  Matt prefers the RS3 for its inline five turbo engine, finding the RS5’s six-cylinder turbo less distinctive. “I'd still rather have the RS3, the one we had” ([38:12], Matt Farah).

• Memorable Driving Roads in the Pacific Northwest ([38:35]):
  Zack advises using tools like Google Earth to plan routes by identifying smooth, scenic roads, emphasizing flexibility and adventure over rigid planning.

• Engine Reliability: Demand Cayman vs Porsche GT3 Touring ([44:30]):
  Matt defends the reliability of the Demand Cayman’s engine, sharing that he hasn’t encountered issues, whereas he recounts incidents of GT3 engines failing prematurely. Zack appreciates the unique driving experience but cautions about potential uncertainties. “I have no evidence that a demand motor is less reliable than a Porsche” ([47:57], Matt Farah).

• Car Condos in Los Angeles ([50:25]):
  Both hosts express skepticism about the feasibility of car condos in LA due to high land costs and stringent regulations, though they acknowledge such facilities exist in the suburbs.

• Future of Nissan/Stellantis ([52:07]):
  Discussing the potential restructuring or sale of Nissan, Zack surmises that a restructure is more likely than a complete sale of intellectual property, considering Nissan’s global footprint and Renault partnership. “Someone is always willing to pick up the pieces at a discount” ([52:37]).

• Separating Drivers into Skill Levels ([53:34]):
  Matt and Zack outline criteria distinguishing average, good, and great drivers, emphasizing smooth inputs, situational awareness, and predictive driving behaviors.

• Listener’s Preference for E90 M3 in a Z4 ([57:05]):
  Matt discusses the feasibility and desirability of engine swaps, sharing his experience with the Z4 GT3 race car and suggesting that integrating an M3 engine into a Z4 would be an interesting project.

5. Notable Quotes

• Matt Farah on the Grenadier’s Reliability:
  “The engine should work... Solid axles are fairly simple. It’s not experimental” ([04:55]).

• Zack Klapman on Power Steering Issues:
  “Like when you drove by me going down in a straight line, it was kind of... You can hear the pump doing its thing.” ([05:57])

• Matt Farah on Australia's Supercar License:
  “It seems like it's probably a revenue Generator. More than a safety thing.” ([31:23])

• Zack Klapman on Engine Reliability:
  “I have no evidence that a demand motor is less reliable than a Porsche, bar none.” ([47:57])

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on their off-roading experiences and engaging deeply with listener questions, offering valuable insights into vehicle performance, regulatory impacts, and automotive maintenance. They emphasize the importance of balancing performance with reliability and practicality, especially when navigating diverse driving environments like Los Angeles.

Final Thoughts: Matt concludes, “Thank you to our patrons for your questions today. Thank you to everyone else for listening to us yak. And we'll see you later." ([64:02])

This episode provides a comprehensive look into high-performance vehicles' real-world applications, the implications of automotive regulations, and the nuanced decisions enthusiasts face when selecting and maintaining their cars. Whether you're an off-roading aficionado, a supercar enthusiast, or someone navigating the complexities of vehicle ownership, Matt and Zack offer a blend of humor, expertise, and candid discussions that resonate with a broad automotive audience.