The Smoking Tire Podcast Summary: "Used EV Experiment; Hoovie's Veyron; AI Matt?; Spyder Update"
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Hosts: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman

1. Tactile vs. Digital Controls in Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The episode delves deep into the ongoing debate between tactile controls and digital touchscreens in modern vehicles, particularly EVs. Matt Farah expresses his frustration with the shift towards touchscreen interfaces, emphasizing the importance of physical buttons for a more engaging and less distracting driving experience.

Matt Farah [03:14]: "The texture of the shit that's in my hands all the time... The way it feels in my hands is extremely important to me."

Zach Klapman adds that this preference stems from their inherent attention to detail, whether it’s watches, cars, or other tactile objects.

Zach Klapman [03:48]: "So I think you notice things other people might not..."

They discuss how touchscreens can detract from the driving experience by removing the intuitive feel of controls, making certain adjustments more cumbersome.

Matt Farah [06:53]: "We really need to fucking get rid of it—computer-controlled vents."

The hosts lament that the pursuit of modern digital conveniences often overlooks the fundamental pleasures of tactile interaction, suggesting that manufacturers could offer more hybrid solutions without exorbitant costs.

2. Legislation and Banning of K-Trucks

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the controversial banning of K-trucks in states like Georgia. Matt Farah recounts a conversation with his nephew Cole, who expressed interest in owning a K-truck, only to find out it was banned in his state due to safety concerns.

Matt Farah [12:04]: "He lives in one of the states that has banned K trucks."

Zach explores the possible motivations behind this legislative move, speculating about insurance companies' influence and the potential economic impacts on domestic truck manufacturers.

Zach Klapman [13:23]: "The primary donor for that lobbying effort was these insurance things."

Matt dismisses the safety concerns raised by proponents of the ban, arguing that K-trucks are less hazardous in liability terms compared to many modern vehicles.

Matt Farah [16:33]: "...entirely a Bummer that it's one thing..."

The hosts conclude that the ban seems unfounded and overly restrictive, limiting enthusiasts' choices and fostering unnecessary controversy within the automotive community.

3. AI and Digital Twins Concerns

Matt raises concerns about the emergence of AI-driven digital twins of thought leaders, highlighting an unsolicited email he received from a company claiming to create AI replicas of prominent figures.

Matt Farah [30:07]: "Imagine something that people thought they were engaging with you, but it was really like a bad chatbot version of you."

They discuss the ethical and practical implications of such technology, including the potential for misrepresentation and the loss of authentic human interaction.

Zach Klapman [31:00]: "It's not their brain... It won't feel special."

Both hosts express apprehension about the future of AI in personal branding and public interaction, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.

4. Used EVs and Reliability Experiment

A key highlight of the episode is the introduction of Matt's planned experiment to purchase a used Porsche Taycan. He aims to evaluate the reliability and depreciation of EVs over time, contrasting it with traditional luxury vehicles like Bentleys.

Zach Klapman [41:09]: "I like this idea because... it's a good experiment to see how reliable are complicated luxury cars over 10 years specifically."

Matt explains that used Taycans are significantly depreciated, making them an attractive option for testing long-term reliability without the hefty price tag.

Matt Farah [38:53]: "A two-year-old Taycan at half price is a fantastic bargain."

The experiment seeks to address common fears about EV depreciation and out-of-warranty issues, potentially validating the viability of used EVs as reliable daily drivers.

5. Watches and Paint Protection Film (PPF)

The conversation shifts to accessories, specifically the application of Paint Protection Film (PPF) on watches. Matt critiques the trend of applying PPF to watch cases, arguing that it detracts from the watch's aesthetic and personal story.

Matt Farah [52:37]: "It's not a good look. Wear your watches or..."

Zach concurs, highlighting that while PPF can protect, it often results in an unattractive appearance.

Zach Klapman [52:02]: "Is there any downside to doing this? Yes, you would be a huge pussy."

They agree that while protection is valuable, overly protective measures can compromise the design integrity of accessories.

6. Upcoming Automotive Events

Matt and Zack promote several upcoming automotive events, including road trips and track days. Notable among these is the Texas Hill Country event in April, offering participants track time at Circuit of the Americas, along with hospitality elements like great hotels and food.

Matt Farah [49:57]: "Texas Hill country is going to be awesome."

They also outline future plans for events in Colorado and Northern California, emphasizing diverse driving experiences from mountain passes to scenic raceways.

7. Listener Q&A Highlights

The hosts address various listener questions, offering advice on car trades, budget purchases, and modifications. Highlights include:

• Trading a Countach for a Veyron: Matt expresses a preference for the Countach over the Veyron, valuing the former's legacy and design over the latter's performance.

  Matt Farah [65:38]: "I wouldn't trade a Countach for a Veyron."

• Budget-Friendly Daily Drivers: Recommendations include the BMW 328D Wagon and the Acura Integra Type S for those seeking a balance between performance and practicality.

  Zach Klapman [74:50]: "Decent backseat space. SUV like cargo compartment, good chassis."

• Aftermarket Wheels for Genesis G70: Matt advises against black wheels, suggesting designs that complement the car's smooth and organic aesthetics.

  Matt Farah [82:42]: "Split fork design with five stars... looks like they could be the HRE R101 family."

8. Podcast Break and Future Plans

Concluding the episode, Matt and Zack announce a planned hiatus for the month of January to recharge and manage their demanding schedules. They reassure listeners that their extensive back catalog remains accessible and hint at exciting plans for milestone episodes, including a potential 12-hour podcast celebration.

Matt Farah [95:29]: "We're going to take that opportunity to recharge our brains..."

Zach adds that maintaining their back catalog ensures that new listeners can dive into over 980 past episodes, highlighting the depth and longevity of the show.

Zach Klapman [96:00]: "There's a deep catalog for you to pull from."

They also brainstorm ideas for a grand milestone celebration, envisioning a tag-team format with rotating guest appearances to mark the thousandth episode.

Conclusion

This episode of The Smoking Tire navigates through a variety of topics central to automotive enthusiasts, from the tactile preferences in vehicle controls and legislative battles over specific truck models, to broader concerns about AI representations and the viability of used electric vehicles. Matt and Zack blend technical insights with personal anecdotes, fostering an engaging dialogue that resonates with both seasoned car aficionados and casual listeners. Their discussions are enriched with candid opinions, practical advice, and forward-looking experiments, underscoring their commitment to exploring the multifaceted world of automobiles.