Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Johnny Lieberman joins the studio to sub in for Zach, discussing a series of recent car drives including the Rivian R2, the electric Porsche Cayenne Turbo and S, and the Eccentrica Lamborghini Diablo restomod. The guest and host compare notes on the Cayenne's impressive 844 horsepower, active ride, and aerodynamic design, while offering candid critiques of the Eccentrica Diablo prototype's mechanical shortcomings and high price tag. They also debate the enthusiast value of modern high-performance electric vehicles, contrasting views on whether fast EVs qualify as true driver's cars or merely high-end appliances.
Hosts welcome listeners, announce Off the Record sponsorship, and introduce Johnny Lieberman as guest.
Johnny and Matt exchange gifts, discuss a McLaren book, and reminisce about past collaborations.
Matt and Johnny discuss the Road Rat magazine, its history, and its focus on automotive culture.
Matt explains Zach’s back‑surgery recovery, video streaming problems, and Spotify integration challenges.
Matt invites Johnny to discuss the Rivian R2, Eccentrica Diablo, and electric Cayenne after a busy driving week.
Johnny and Matt evaluate the Cayenne EV’s power, torque, range, and driving dynamics, noting its strengths and shortcomings.
Discussion of the R2’s size, architecture, off‑road prowess, and interior ergonomics compared to the R1S and other SUVs.
Review of key shapes, usability, and the challenges of multi‑user settings in modern electric vehicles.
Matt and Johnny debate the term “appliance car,” compare the R2 to other EVs, and consider its appeal as a weekend versus daily vehicle.
Hosts reflect on the R2’s overall performance, share final impressions, and close the episode.
Matt and Zack discuss the differences between electric and combustion engine power delivery, highlighting how electric cars lack the traditional horsepower feel.
They compare the Rivian R2 to the GV60, weighing daily usability against weekend performance and suggesting the GV60 for better handling.
Corvette ZR1X Front Motor Limitationsinsight
The guest and host discuss the new Corvette ZR1X, noting that the single front motor adds weight and worsens steering feel compared to the standard ZR1, serving mainly to improve straight-line 0-60 times.
Porsche Cayenne EV Active Ridedata
The Cayenne EV Turbo features an 844-horsepower setup and active ride suspension that actively dips and flares to counteract acceleration and braking forces.
Cayenne EV Gravel Road Dynamicsstory
The Cayenne EV handled a twenty-mile gravel rally stage with remarkable grip on P Zero tires, though the host notes a dedicated rally mode to deactivate rear steer would improve sliding.
Rivian R2 Performance and Pricingdata
The Rivian R2 delivers 656 horsepower, strong highway pull, and impressive handling on 21-inch tires for around $59,000.
Eccentrica Diablo Prototype Overheatingstory
The guest details major frustrations driving the Eccentrica Lamborghini Diablo prototype, which suffered from a non-functioning electronic reverse gear and overheated multiple times.
Sedan and Family Car Recommendationsstrategy
The host and guest discuss the best gas and electric options in the $40,000 to $50,000 range, highlighting the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Subaru WRX base.
“The Cayenne, the way the Cayenne gets out of the hole on gravel, you know, with the traction and sport, it gets unbelievable how it gets out of the hole on gravel.”
“The R2, I mean, look at it. It's it's it's an R1 but smaller, right? It's it's smaller and it's cheaper.”
“there's no point in having it be super fast. Because if it's kind of fast, it's still super fast.”
“different, it doesn't do anything different at the times I'm driving the normal speeds I'm driving.”
“So so it's it's much more likely that an electric car will feel appliance-like.”
“So if you gotta, if you're gonna keep it for like ten years, go for the P P F, otherwise let it ride and take care of it.”
“The current Prius is really good. They did a good job. Yeah, I, I do like that.”
“The Subaru W R X base for thirty-three grand, like, what a deal.”
“Seedandspark.com and I think it's like slash fu, it's slash, okay, seedandspark.com slash fun slash Shells, that's the thing.”
Jonny Lieberman subs in to talk about the all new Rivian R2, the Electric Cayenne, and the Eccentrica. Do they agree? YES...and NO. Recorded August 31, 2026 https://www.youtube.com/@drivingwithjonny Show Notes: Fitbod' Get 25% off your Fitbod subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/TIRE. Quince Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://Quince.com/tire. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! For a 10% discount on your first case go to https://www.offtherecord.com/TST CHAPTERS: 00:00 Show starts 02:00 A forgotten book 07:45 Corvette ZR1X 10:00 Cayenne EV review 27:00 WHY do we have electric door handles? 31:30 Rivian R2 review 43:00 What makes a car an appliance? 58:45 Eccentrica V12 Coupe 01:12:40 Patreon questions begin Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast Instagram: https://www. Instagram.com/thesmokingtire https://www. Instagram.com/therealzackklapman
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