Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – Episode: "What Car are You?; Bentley Conundrum; Broken Motorized Window" Release Date: April 24, 2025

Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah

Introduction

In this episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Zack Klapman and Matt Farah delve into a variety of automotive topics, blending insightful discussions with personal anecdotes. The episode, titled "What Car are You?; Bentley Conundrum; Broken Motorized Window," explores themes ranging from industry trends to in-depth reviews of high-performance vehicles.

Shrinkflation and Industry Trends

The podcast kicks off with an engaging discussion on shrinkflation, specifically focusing on Wrigley Gum's recent reductions in gum mass. Zack shares insider information, revealing that post-COVID adjustments led to an 18% decrease in gum weight while maintaining packaging and stick count. Matt highlights the double impact of inflation and product downsizing, exclaiming, "That's the double fucking whammy" ([02:25]).

They extend the conversation to broader market manipulations, touching on issues like the egg shortage and record profits amidst supply chain disruptions. The hosts express frustration over price hikes and reductions in product quality, emphasizing consumer dissatisfaction: "Keep sending this shit in. This is some infuriating ass shit" ([02:37]).

Experiences on the Past Times Podcast

Zack recounts a recent appearance on the Past Times podcast alongside Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. Both hosts praise the enjoyable and collaborative environment, with Matt mentioning, "We have two cars going to Air Water this weekend. Come out and say hello" ([29:54]). They discuss the technical difficulties faced during the session, including Matt's computer failure, which led to humorous moments and memorable interactions.

Bentley Flying Spur Speed Hybrid Review

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Matt’s review of the Bentley Flying Spur Speed Hybrid. The discussion delves into the vehicle's performance, balancing luxury with high-speed capabilities:

• Performance and Handling: Matt describes driving the Bentley extensively on racetracks, highlighting its balance and agility despite the added weight from the hybrid system. He notes, "The GT speed hybrids... demonstrate how balanced they are and what they can do agility-wise with the weight" ([14:09]).

• Electric Mode Experience: The hosts explore the benefits and drawbacks of the car's electric mode. Matt points out that the 750 horsepower from the hybrid system doesn't significantly enhance everyday driving but emphasizes the comfort and quietness of the electric experience: "An electric Bentley, while still very nice and comfortable and incredibly well-made and smooth and quiet, is not as special as a Bentley-like engine" ([16:00]).

• Technical Issues: Matt shares his personal frustration with a recurring issue where the car requires pressing the start button multiple times to shift into reverse, speculating that it might be an early build defect: "That's annoying, and I hope that's not normal. I don't think it is" ([21:21]).

• Comparative Analysis: Zack contrasts the Flying Spur with Bentley’s coupe models, noting differences in wheelbase, vibrations, and overall solidity. They discuss the potential need for ceramic brakes given the car's horsepower, although Matt expresses reservations about the high cost: "If you're gonna get the speed, you gotta get the ceramics. I would bless you" ([26:05]).

• Design and Features: The hosts admire specific design elements like the crystal wings on the hood ornament and discuss optional features such as night vision cameras, weighing their practicality versus additional cost: "It's pretty good... I’ve used it a few times and I mean I’m not sure I’d like to pay five grand for it or whatever, but it’s all right" ([27:56]).

Listener Questions and Automotive Advice

The episode transitions into a segment where Zack and Matt address listener-submitted questions, providing expert advice on various automotive concerns:

• Daily Drivers and Road Trip Sedans: A listener from Michigan seeks recommendations for a $30-$40k daily driver road trip sedan or coupe, preferring all-wheel drive. Zack suggests the Audi RS3 and S4/S5 models, emphasizing their performance and suitability for Michigan’s roads: "Used RS5s are available around $40k and are a very nice daily driver car for sure" ([66:16]).

• Car Maintenance and Inspections: The hosts discuss the frustrations with buyers who misuse vehicle inspections (PPIs) to accuse sellers of fraud when minor issues are discovered: "PPIs are supposed to reveal things that lay people don’t know... That’s a tool for negotiation, not an invitation to accuse the person of fraud" ([81:42]).

• Hybridization in Performance Cars: They debate the effectiveness of hybrid systems in modern sports cars, agreeing that while hybridization can enhance performance in heavier vehicles like the Bentley, it may not always be beneficial compared to ICE-only versions: "Hybridization is not a bad thing at all... Especially in the Revuelto, it fills in the torque and smooths it out" ([69:56]).

Car-Related Personal Anecdotes

Matt shares nostalgic memories of receiving a go-kart for his ninth birthday, highlighting his family's supportive attitude towards his automotive interests: "We went as a family, and I suffered through... and then we left" ([61:03]). The conversation shifts to the benefits of backyard racetracks and how early experiences shape racing skills, with Zack noting, "Driving on a racetrack is more fun and you get to explore the limits of the car safely" ([43:15]).

Unique and Custom Vehicles

The hosts discuss various custom and one-off cars, expressing admiration for their uniqueness while questioning their practicality and cost-effectiveness:

• Bentley Arnoujt Estate: Matt critiques the design of a custom Bentley model, pointing out impractical elements like oversized wood paneling: "This looks like the back is melting" ([73:42]).

• Chevrolet Camaro and Mustang Builds: They mention extravagant builds like the Ramus, a hybrid Mustang-truck crossover, and ponder the challenges of maintaining such custom vehicles: "The whole front of the house all the way around... So I got up on my ninth birthday, and there was this Go kart..." ([74:09]).

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the future of automotive technology, listener engagement, and upcoming projects. Zack and Matt express enthusiasm for upcoming track days and potential collaborations, maintaining their trademark blend of technical insight and relatable storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Farah on shrinkflation: "That's the double fucking whammy." ([02:25])
• Zack Klapman on the Past Times podcast experience: "It was very fun. Couple times I forgot I was in the podcast." ([05:02])
• Matt Farah on the Bentley's electric experience: "An electric Bentley... is not as special as a Bentley-like engine." ([16:00])
• Zack Klapman on managing technical issues: "Best car in the world. See? Aren’t you glad you asked? I asked your friend Matt about that." ([33:41])

Conclusion

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a comprehensive exploration of current automotive trends, detailed vehicle reviews, and engaging personal stories. Through their candid conversations and expert insights, Zack Klapman and Matt Farah provide listeners with valuable information and relatable experiences, making it a must-listen for automotive enthusiasts.