The Smoking Tire Podcast – "The Best AMG Isn’t the 63; Heli Crash; Robotaxi vs Waymo" Hosts: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman
Date: October 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Matt and Zack dive into a whirlwind of recent automotive news and experiences, focusing on their review of the Mercedes CLE53 Cabriolet and the Infinite Machine P1 electric scooter. The conversation detours into the wildest Cars & Coffee crash involving a helicopter, EV scooters vs. traditional motorcycles, and a heated discussion about autonomous driving tech – notably comparing Tesla’s FSD to Waymo. The hosts also respond to listener questions about car modification regrets, sports car dreams, and the challenges of sharing automotive enthusiasm with non-car-loving significant others. As always, the banter remains sharp, insightful, and laced with signature humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mercedes CLE53 Cabriolet: Why the "53" Wins

• Impressions: Matt and Zack both praise the CLE53 (AMG) as an unexpectedly balanced, enjoyable sports-luxury convertible.
  • "Normally, this would not be my type of car...I fucking loved this car."
    – Matt (43:16)
• Engine & Driving Experience: The inline-6 with mild hybrid tech is exceptionally smooth, making start/stop seamless and city driving pleasant.
• Chassis & Handling: Outstanding suspension tuning—comfortable on the highway; genuinely composed and fun on winding, bumpy canyons.
  • "Ali was a racing engineer...He was like, dude, who tuned this? It was so good."
    – Matt (44:02)
• Interior & Comfort: Highly adjustable seats from the AMG GT, premium materials (notably "tuxedo wood"), and a surprisingly premium look and feel.
• Community Reactions: The car draws a lot of positive attention, despite a neutral color.
  • "I got so many compliments...could not believe how many people noticed this car."
    – Matt (43:52)
• Comparison & Value: At ~$100k, hosts feel it justifies the cost, especially compared to BMW M4/M3 and even the pricier SL.

2. Infinite Machine P1: The Tech Bro’s Urban Commuter?

• Background: Designed in part by former Cybertruck talent; aggressive, angular styling; meant to be a “Cybertruck” of scooters.
• Performance: 6kW motor, 60 miles claimed range, 65 mph top speed; Zack was unable to verify full ranges or speeds.
• Features: CarPlay integration, phone-as-key, removable (though heavy) battery, reverse gear.
• Downsides: Flimsy glovebox, $10,000 price tag—steep for electric scooters, judged against efficient used Vespas.
  • "They're just too expensive for what you're getting."
    – Matt (40:16)
• Market Realities: Tech-forward, but the hosts agree the premium price and practicality gap vs. gas alternatives limit widespread appeal in the U.S. today.
  • "If Vespa made an electric equivalent...I'd probably get it...but every electric two-wheel vehicle I've ever ridden, my real-world range has been about half what the manufacturer claims."
    – Matt (29:22 and 29:50)
• Environmental Angle: Electric scooters theoretically helpful, as traditional motorcycles/scooters are disproportionately dirty emissions-wise.

3. Helicopter Crash at Cars & Coffee – The Ultimate “Cars & Coffee Crash”?

• Incident: At a high-profile “Cars & Copters” event in Huntington Beach, a Bell helicopter crashed during a landing maneuver—caught on numerous videos.
• No Fatalities: Hosts stress humor is allowed since nobody died.
• Details: Crash apparently caused by tail rotor failure, possibly exacerbated by “hot-dogging” in front of the audience.
  • "The ultimate game over Cars & Coffee crash will probably never be topped. The helicopter crashing at a Cars & Coffee. That one-ups all Mustangs."
    – Matt (09:01)
• Surreal Aftermath: The event continued with the wrecked helicopter as a backdrop.
  • "They just left the crashed helicopter there and had the car show right around it."
    – Matt (10:40)
• Safety Reflection: Reinforces helicopters are inherently riskier than planes; failures often more catastrophic.

4. Tesla FSD vs. Waymo: Real Autonomy, Real Results?

• FSD Skepticism: Matt and Zack maintain FSD isn't truly "autonomous" when it requires human supervision.
  • "You refer to that Tesla Model 3 as an autonomous driving system. It is not. That is absolutely not an autonomous driving system. Waymo is...level four."
    – Matt (91:53)
• Waymo’s Safety Record: Citing recent studies, Waymo’s millions of driverless miles have logged minimal incidents, none at-fault.
• Tesla's Robo-Taxi News: Recent PR about accidents and industry-exit of robotics execs from Tesla raises further doubt.
  • "Tesla is still using camera only, which—dude, we should take a Waymo today in the rain."
    – Matt (92:40)
• Memorable Deadpan:
  • "Your experience isn't data. It just isn't. The data that is collected over millions of miles of driving is data."
    – Matt (92:44)

5. Listener Questions: Regrets, Dreams, and Debating Porsche Purity

• Modification Regrets: Both hosts recount "scamming themselves" as teens—buying questionable car accessories.
  • "I didn't need someone to scam me."
    – Matt (53:39)
• Porsche Aspirations: How wide is the window to buy a new, manual, NA flat-six?
  • Likely at least another 10 years (specifically GT3 and GT4 variants), but hosts urge not to let perfection be the enemy of good—used options are excellent.
  • "Perfection is the enemy of good."
    – Zack (62:00)
• Super SUVs in Emerging Markets: Poor roads and buyer preferences explain why luxury brands pivot to high-performance SUVs.
• Convincing Non-Car-Lovers: Multiple questions around persuading significant others about “unmanly” cars or owning more than one vehicle.
  • "Your girlfriend sucks, Carter...A car doesn't make you girly or unmanly. I have a pink fucking Boxster."
    – Matt (83:08)
  • Advice: Let enthusiasm dictate, but acknowledge some people simply don’t get it.
• Affordable Track Time: Only real answer: Become a performance driving instructor or volunteer (e.g., as a corner worker)—but requires above-average skill and risk tolerance.

6. Bonus Banter & Notable Quotes

• Matt’s Pink Porsche and Attracting Attention:
  • "If you're gonna get a fun thing, get the one that girls like. That's just a pro tip from someone who's been there."
    – Matt (41:08)
• Classic Road Disappointments: Not all “famous” scenic drives are great for fast cars—time of day and expectations matter.
• EV Swaps in Classics: Skepticism toward electric conversions of cars where the engine is a core engagement factor (e.g., AE86).
  • "To me, it's a solution to the wrong problem. But, you know, fun for science."
    – Matt (88:05)
• Electric Lawnmowers & Landscaping as the Next Frontier: Practical electric tool chat spun off from scooter/battery talk.
• Steering Wheels, Dream Garages, and More: Some strong opinions on the best (and worst) steering wheels ever.
  • "The Singer Turbo is the best steering wheel I've ever used."
    – Matt (72:33)

Notable Timestamps

• 09:01 – “Car crash” one-upped: Helicopter goes down at Cars & Coffee
• 23:14 – Infinite Machine P1 scooter review: features and drawbacks
• 43:16 – 49:20 – Deep dive: Mercedes CLE53 Cabriolet review
• 91:37 – 93:34 – Tesla FSD vs. Waymo: data, safety, and definitions of “autonomous”
• 53:13 – Listeners’ teen car mod regrets
• 62:00 – Porsche dreams and market outlook
• 83:08 – 84:31 – Debating cars with a non-car-loving partner

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "The ultimate game over Cars & Coffee crash will probably never be topped. The helicopter crashing at a Cars & Coffee. That one-ups all Mustangs."
  – Matt (09:01)
• "Perfection is the enemy of good."
  – Zack (62:00)
• "If you're gonna get a fun thing, get the one that girls like. That's just a pro tip from someone who's been there."
  – Matt (41:08)
• "You refer to that Tesla Model 3 as an autonomous driving system. It is not."
  – Matt (91:53)

Tone & Takeaways

• Candid, clever, and congenial: The duo’s chemistry shines through as they riff on everything from newsworthy blunders to nuanced product reviews.
• Welcoming to enthusiasts & the car-curious alike: Even technical or existential automotive debates are presented with humor and clarity.
• Expertise with humility: Matt and Zack speak from deep industry and personal experience but make space for listener questions and discovery.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the state of performance luxury cars, the ever-livelier debate over EVs, the dangers (and distractions) of car culture, and the ever-entertaining interplay of automotive passion with everyday life.