The Smoking Tire Podcast - Episode Summary

Title: Turbo Flyin' Miata Review; ID. Buzz 1st Impressions; Cybertrucks Go Home
Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Guests: Various automotive enthusiasts (as inferred from transcript)

1. Introduction to the Episode

[01:21]
Zack Klapman and Matt Farah kick off the episode while cruising down the 405 freeway in the newly released Volkswagen ID Buzz. They highlight their routine of utilizing commuting time to record insightful discussions on the latest automotive trends and reviews.

2. Volkswagen ID Buzz First Impressions

[02:15] - [05:10]
The hosts delve into their initial thoughts on the Volkswagen ID Buzz, emphasizing its nostalgic design reminiscent of the classic VW buses. Zack criticizes the nomenclature, stating, "ID Buzz. Don't mean nothing. They could have called it any number of things other than what they called it" [02:16]. They discuss the vehicle's design, noting the innovative flat front that allows for increased driver visibility despite the "cab forward" aesthetic.

• Design and Functionality:
  "It really feels like driving a monorail" [04:16], highlighting the spacious interior and the wraparound windshield.

• Color Variations:
  The duo remarks on how color choices significantly impact the vehicle's appearance. Zack shares, "You get this thing in a two tone hippie color and it looks fabulous. You get it in black... it looks like the saddest uber ever." [05:05]

3. Flying Miata Turbo Kit Review

[35:33] - [46:53]
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to reviewing the Turbo Flyin' Miata’s new California-compliant turbo kit.

• Kit Features:
  Zack explains the kit's compliance with California's stringent emissions standards: "It has a California 91 octane calibration and California compliant emission system." [36:15]. The modification involves replacing the factory catalytic converter with a turbo housing that meets emission regulations.

• Performance Enhancements:
  Matt details the performance boost, "The peak torque of the stock engine happens at 5,000 rpm. This happens at 4,000 rpm. You also get a lot more torque, obviously." [39:08]. They discuss the broader power band and the significant increase in horsepower, making the Miata notably quicker without compromising its lightweight agility.

• Engineering Excellence:
  Both hosts commend the engineering behind the kit, emphasizing that Flying Miata designs their kits in-house to ensure compatibility and performance: "They have actual powertrain engineers that ordered the different parts... it was their idea that they assembled." [37:00]

• Driving Experience:
  Zack shares firsthand experiences driving the turbocharged Miata, highlighting improved grip and responsiveness: "The balance and the agility of the Miata... it's like the amount of grip you would have coming through a corner." [42:20]

• Recommendations:
  They advise that upgrading brakes and cooling systems is essential when installing such performance kits to handle the increased power and maintain safety: "When you upgrade a power, the power by nearly 50%, you should upgrade the brakes too." [45:52]

4. Depreciation of the Tesla Cybertruck

[10:46] - [18:23]
The conversation shifts to the financial struggles of the Tesla Cybertruck, focusing on its significant depreciation and unsold inventory.

• Depreciation Details:
  Zack reveals alarming figures, "They have 10,000 unsold cybertrucks worth $800 million." [15:07]. They analyze the reasons behind this, attributing it to overproduction, unmet performance expectations, and the removal of promised features like the range extender.

• Market Impact:
  Matt reflects on how anticipation led to inflated deposits which couldn’t be met with actual deliveries: "Maybe they overproduced them." [17:33]. The hosts discuss the impact of these factors on Tesla’s financial health and market reputation.

• Comparison with Slate:
  Zack draws parallels with Slate, another company facing similar issues with pre-orders for their electric truck, questioning the viability of such business models: "They don't know how many of those orders will go through." [20:30]

5. Listener Questions and Community Engagement

[46:53] - [63:47]
The latter part of the podcast features a segment where Zack and Matt answer questions from their audience, sourced from Patreon.

• Automotive Recommendations:

  • JJ Apex [48:07]: Discusses the merits of Mustang Mach 1 versus Dark Horse models, with Zack favoring the Mach 1 for its performance and handling.
  • Bad Leg [49:11]: Reuben seeks advice on a fun automatic car while recovering from a motorcycle accident. Zack recommends cars like the GTI with DSG transmissions and PDK-equipped Cayman models.

• Nostalgia in Modern Cars:
  A listener predicts growing nostalgia for 2000s to 2010s cars. Zack and Matt agree, highlighting models like the BMW M3 and Audi RS4 as exemplars of that era’s appeal.

• Branding Critique:

  • Pista Anmashu [54:30]: Questions the branding of the Mustang Mach E versus the ID Buzz. Zack and Matt critique the ID Buzz’s name for lacking appeal, whereas the Mach E benefits from leveraging the Mustang legacy despite initial backlash.

6. Upcoming Events and Announcements

[34:09] - [35:20]
Zack announces the upcoming Seaside to Sierra Road and Track event scheduled for late September, highlighting its premier location and guest racing driver Scott Pruitt. They emphasize the unique driving experience along the Sonoma to Tahoe route and offer car shipping services for attendees.

Key Insights and Conclusions

1. Volkswagen ID Buzz:
   While visually appealing with nostalgic elements, the ID Buzz’s design choices and color options significantly influence its market reception. The move away from the "ID" nomenclature is expected in future models to better align with consumer expectations.

2. Turbo Enhancements:
   Flying Miata’s California-compliant turbo kits offer substantial performance upgrades without compromising the Miata’s inherent agility. However, essential supporting modifications like improved brakes and cooling systems are necessary for optimal performance and safety.

3. Tesla Cybertruck Depreciation:
   The Cybertruck faces severe depreciation due to overproduction and unmet performance promises. This situation underscores the risks associated with high pre-order volumes without corresponding delivery capabilities.

4. Community Engagement:
   Listener questions reflect a deep interest in performance modifications, reliable automatic transmissions, and the enduring appeal of early 2000s cars. This engagement highlights the podcast’s role in fostering a knowledgeable automotive community.

5. Branding Strategies:
   Effective branding, as seen with the Mustang Mach E, can leverage legacy and nostalgia to drive interest despite initial resistance. In contrast, the ID Buzz’s branding lacks the same impact, suggesting the importance of name recognition and emotional connection in vehicle marketing.

Notable Quotes

• "ID Buzz. Don't mean nothing. They could have called it any number of things other than what they called it" — Zack Klapman [02:16]

• "The balance and the agility of the Miata... it's like the amount of grip you would have coming through a corner." — Zack Klapman [42:20]

• "They have 10,000 unsold cybertrucks worth $800 million." — Zack Klapman [15:07]

• "When you upgrade a power, the power by nearly 50%, you should upgrade the brakes too." — Matt Farah [45:52]

• "By the way, if you wanted to pump your stock. Right. That would be showing your new vehicle has 2 million pre orders is certainly a way to do it." — Zack Klapman [19:27]

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a comprehensive look into the latest automotive developments, blending first impressions with in-depth technical reviews and market analysis. From the nostalgic charm of the ID Buzz to the high-performance upgrades of the Turbo Flyin' Miata, Zack and Matt provide valuable insights for automotive enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.