The Smoking Tire Podcast – Jonny Lieberman (Fixed)

Date: September 3, 2025
Hosts: Matt Farah, Zack Klapman
Guest: Jonny Lieberman

Overview

In this lively, tangential episode, Matt and Zack welcome veteran automotive journalist and personality Jonny Lieberman for a wide-ranging conversation. The show covers driving rare and exotic Porsches and RUFs, the nuances of ultra-high-end restomods, EV technology, used vs. new EV buying, whiskey “science experiments,” naming conventions in the custom car world, and much more. Along the way, the gang dives deep into driving impressions, car event culture, whiskey aging, automotive media careers, and food—and serves up plenty of irreverent banter, memorable stories, and the kind of inside-baseball car nerdery The Smoking Tire is known for.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

Studio Mayhem & Casual Catch-up

[01:38 - 03:22]

• Matt describes frantic efforts to "engine swap the studio" and start the show on time despite technical difficulties.
• Social banter about recent gatherings at Matt's house, with Johnny sharing the highlight of seeing attendee Paul Kramer "cancer free and with his new hip."
• Early praise for Matt's parking: "You have the best parking situation in Los Angeles." – Jonny Lieberman [03:17]

RUFs, Restomods, and the Rodeo Experience

[03:37 - 16:14]

Who Has Driven What?

[03:45 - 05:01]

• Matt notes the scarcity of journalists who have deeply sampled both RUF and Singer restomods.
• The trio lists which models they've experienced, including the RUF Rodeo, SCR, and others.

Driving the RUF Rodeo

[05:22 - 15:06]

• Detailed breakdown of the RUF Rodeo driving experience:
  • 610hp, selectable AWD, carbon tub, long travel suspension, extreme off-road capability.
  • "A million dollar off-road handful" – Jonny [06:24]
  • Snap lift-off oversteer it shares with the 930 "Widowmaker," but dialed up.
  • "Nothing rotates like a Rodeo." – Matt [06:44]
  • Traction control quirks ("Off was way better, off is the move for safety." – Matt [07:21])
  • Easy to drift on tarmac; dramatic oversteer demonstrated on gravel sections.
• Compare to Lamborghini Sterrato, Hummer EV, and legendary oddballs like the Juke R.
• Discussion of the design and interior: Navajo blanket (Ralph Lauren-inspired), visible industrial carbon tub, and double RL leather.
  • "Having both the blankets and money in the carbon fibre is a flex." – Jonny [14:14]
• Criticisms:
  • Weak electric A/C ("It just does [suck]." – Matt [12:41])
  • Non-adjustable steering wheel placement.
• Client stories: Owners preferring the RUF over other blue-chip Porsches.
• Memorable moment:
  • Jonny recounts driving the SCR and being told by RUF's Alois, "We call that the screaming orgasm" after executing a burst from 3rd to 4th gear at 120 mph. [16:14]

Iconic Car Moments & Bigfooting Each Other

[19:46 - 21:53]

• Matt and Jonny recall times they've tried to "one up" each other with access to rare cars.
  • Example: Jonny with two Chirons, Matt with the original Yellowbird ("the only way to beat two Chirons").
  • “Even the Bugatti people were like, ‘Is that a Yellowbird?’” – Jonny [20:33]
• Recent Yellowbird auction prices discussed ($6 million for the right one).

RUF Customization & Naming

[21:24 - 23:01]

• Chat about custom specs and why customers sometimes make questionable choices (e.g., black-and-white Ken Block Hoonigan livery on the Rodeo).
• "They're just this happy family...they could say, no, you’re not getting black, sir." – Jonny [21:42]

Whiskey “Science Experiments”

[22:08 - 70:14]

Experiment 1: Char Levels in Bourbon Barrels

[23:12 - 31:00]

• Tasting the same six-year-old bourbon aged in barrels with different char levels (Char 1 vs. Char 4).
• Geeking out on bourbon legal definitions, how char affects flavor.
• Both Matt and Jonny prefer the Char 4: "A fabulously delicious bourbon...like vanilla icing." – Matt [30:00]
• Takeaway: Barrels and their toasting profiles make a profound difference.

Experiment 2: Different Warehouse Floors

[40:41 - 46:09]

• Comparing whiskeys stored on the ground vs. top floors of Kentucky rickhouses.
• Higher floors = more heat, more extraction, much tastier; ground floor = “cleaning solution,” “fireball.”
• Jonny predicts (correctly) that higher, hotter floors make for superior whiskey: "This one's harsh, but it’s harsh with vanilla and caramel." – Jonny [45:42]

Experiment 3: Same Whiskey, Different Climates

[57:07 - 67:04]

• Two-year spirits aged identically but matured in Kentucky vs. Scotland.
• Scotland version is slightly more pleasant (Scotch-like), Kentucky's is rough, syrupy, medicinal.
• Fun speculation about what the barrels were and how climate made a difference.

Insights into Tasting and Master Distillers

[67:11 - 73:26]

• Jonny gives a masterclass on how Scotch and bourbon are sampled and blended, the culture of olfactory vs. oral tasting, and picking barrels at McAllen and Kentucky distilleries.
• "With bourbon you taste. With Scotch you smell." – Jonny [68:27]
• Anecdote: Drinking 40-year-old Highland Park at the McAllen house, "crawling on elbows and knees to our rooms." – Jonny [73:04]

Porsche, EVs, and More Car Talk

Synthetic Gears in EVs

[31:10 - 36:15]

• Matt and Jonny debate the utility and fun-factor of "synthetic gears" (software-created gearshifts in EVs):
  • Matt: "If you're going to sell people on EV sports cars, giving them more ways to engage is better."
  • Jonny: Generally prefers natural EV torque delivery but concedes some drivers want more engagement.

New Cadillac EVs & Dolby Atmos

[34:31 - 40:03]

• Jonny praises the new Cadillac electric three-row Vistiq: strong performance, nice luxury, and “the first real physical implementation of Dolby Atmos.”
• Digression into car audio, Elton John, and getting speaker placement right: "They had to f*** up the grab handle...so the speaker could go there." – Jonny [39:47]

Custom Porsche Builders: Naming & Identity Crisis

[49:46 - 56:59]

• Jonny and Matt talk about high-level Porsche custom shops (Mekellos/McKellar, Singer, Gunther Works).
• The importance of a memorable company and car name: "They gotta come up with an identity...McKellar's is just a bad name." – Jonny [54:23]

Car Culture Events Round-Up

Upcoming Shows

[46:36 - 47:36, 79:12 - 84:49]

• October 11th: Helicopter/Willow Springs event with live show, concours, motorsport exhibition. Some hosts possibly arriving by helicopter.
• Helms Bakery "Cars & Coffee" is gaining momentum, now sponsored by Cars and Bids. Unique LA car event culture discussed, with pro tips for organizers.
• Emphasis on the importance of serving coffee—early—for car show volunteers, participants, and talent.

Used vs. New EVs, Consumers, and OT Updates

[90:22 - 95:08]

• Would Jonny buy another new EV? Yes—for the right one, particularly the Rivian.
• Matt details his mixed experiences owning a used Taycan, including app/AC bugs and frequent over-the-air updates.
  • "I just want to turn off the notifications...just do it!" – Matt [94:21]

Listener Q&A Highlights

Car Knowledge & Culture

[87:52 - 111:19]

• Requests for more culinary content from Jonny (bread, ragu, pastrami).
• New EVs: Rivian highly recommended, others on a case-by-case basis.
• R129 Mercedes SLs: Red commands a big premium, but most have bottomed out.
• Improving Hellcat handling: PS4s tires and usual brake upgrades make a big difference.
• Lightweight packages: 80 lbs noticeable only if removed from a critical spot or in a back-to-back test.
• Favorite headlights people hate: Diablos, 300ZXs, and more.
• Porsche "Mount Rushmore": 550 Spyder, America Roadster, 997 GT3 RS 4.0, various historic RS and Club Sport models.

Auto Journalist Careers

• Jonny reflects on starting his YouTube channel late ("should have done it ten years ago"), tied to prior contracts; advice to start content careers as soon as possible.

Memorable Quotes

• "A million dollar off-road handful." – Jonny Lieberman [06:24]
• "Nothing rotates like a Rodeo." – Matt Farah [06:44]
• "We call that the screaming orgasm." – RUF's Alois (to Jonny) [16:14]
• "There's no difference in ingredients at all between mainstream fizzy lagers." – Jonny [64:28]
• "With bourbon you taste. With Scotch you smell." – Jonny [68:27]
• "I never, never, never [get burned out on cars]." – Jonny [110:13]
• "The time to start [a YouTube channel] is always yesterday." – Matt [111:02]

Fun, Offbeat Moments

• Whiskey “science” causing progressively more suspect tasting notes.
• Inside stories about managing car event logistics, securing coffee, and badge/parking drama in LA.
• Toasting the show's best bourbon by finishing the bottle live.
• Debates about best pastrami sandwiches—and the quest for a New York-style bacon, egg, and cheese.

Takeaways

• Ultra-exclusive Porsche restomods (RUF, Singer) offer radically different driving experiences—and the chance to geek out over the engineering, materials, and customization philosophy.
• Whiskey, like cars, is a matter of taste, process, and sometimes, brutal honesty.
• EV engagement remains an open question: synthetic gears, software, and future customization options are on the horizon.
• Car culture is made in the details—naming, event planning, even the bread on a pastrami sandwich.
• Longtime auto journalists are happiest when the conversation never quite stays on track.

For more info, find the full episode and car reviews at www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire

Show notes prepared using speaker language and tone for engaging recap. For questions or guest details, check social links @thesmokingtire @zackklapman @jonnylieberman.