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CyberTruck's Sales beat Ford Record; Manx 2.0; Q&A

The Smoking Tire

Hosted by Matt Farah

1h 31m
Transcript

Original podcast

Summary

Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.

In this episode, the hosts embark on a wide-ranging automotive discussion covering everything from a Meyers Manx canyon shakedown to the latest market data showing the Tesla Cybertruck experiencing a historic sales collapse. They detail the surprisingly nimble, analog driving dynamics of the upgraded Manx, compare interior aesthetics of modern electric vehicles like the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Genesis GV60, and marvel at a vintage 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 limousine stored at their facility. Along the way, they field patron questions regarding eighties American cars, Porsche 718 valuations, used electric vehicle bargains, and the mechanics of Grand Seiko spring drive watches.

Throughout the discussion, the hosts argue that the Cybertruck failed because its styling was off-putting and impractical, contrasting it with enthusiast cars that offer high engagement without trying to project aggressive wealth. They explain why vintage or unconventional machines like the Manx provide genuine smiles through light weight and mechanical simplicity rather than purely chasing horsepower numbers. Listeners get specific advice on automotive values, mechanical realities, and why certain enthusiast segments remain undervalued.

  • Keep a vintage car's engine operating above 2,500 RPM to avoid lugging and achieve a much smoother, happier powerband. 10:22
  • Check your classic car transmission fluid levels after driving hard on hot days, as gear oil can thin out and vent. 20:16
  • Inspect solid wood cat towers instead of pressboard alternatives to ensure four times the durability for feline furniture. 1:01:57
  • Cross-reference multiple automotive pricing tools like Hagerty and past auction results to establish realistic market values for used vehicles. 1:24:25

Chapters

  1. 0:00
    Podcast Intro and Host Banter

    Hosts open the show, tease topics, and joke about healthcare before diving into car reviews.

  2. 0:47
    IONIQ 9 Interior Review

    Matt and Zach discuss the Hyundai IONIQ 9’s design, comparing it to other luxury brands and noting its Korean aesthetic.

  3. 4:20
    Manx 2.0 Performance Talk

    The hosts test drive a Manx 2.0, covering its handling, powerband, and the fun of driving a lightweight, manual motorcycle.

  4. 26:48
    Avance Sponsorship Break

    A brief commercial segment promoting Avance, detailing savings on tires and membership perks.

  5. 29:55
    Cybertruck Sales Flop Analysis

    They examine Bloomberg data showing Tesla’s Cybertruck sales crash, comparing it to the Edsel and discussing market expectations.

  6. 34:22
    1959 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Review

    Matt showcases a 1959 Cadillac, highlighting its size, interior quirks, and the danger of its sharp fenders.

  7. 47:29
    Listener Q&A and Closing

    The episode wraps up with fan questions, a reminder about the Porsche giveaway, and final remarks.

  8. 50:04
    Automotive History: From Displacement to Efficiency

    Hosts discuss the evolution of car design from the 1970s to the 1990s, highlighting shifts in displacement and power.

  9. 52:34
    Porsche 718 GTS vs. 911: Value Debate

    They debate whether the 718 GTS and Spiders are undervalued compared to the iconic 911, touching on brand perception and resale.

  10. 1:12:00
    Car Swap Projects: From 1999 Corolla to Radwood

    A listener asks about turning a 1999 Corolla into a project car, and the hosts weigh sentimental value against performance upgrades.

  11. 1:16:00
    Electric Vehicle Market: Mach‑E and Beyond

    Discussion of affordable EVs, the popularity of the Mach‑E, and the shift toward electric pickups and crossover models.

  12. 1:22:34
    Car Sales Transparency: Why Prices Remain Hidden

    Hosts analyze why car dealers resist full price transparency, exploring legal frameworks and consumer tools like Kelley Blue Book.

Highlights

  • 5:07

    Spotting a Rare GV60 Magmastory

    The hosts discuss a listener finding a rare Genesis GV60 Magma in orange parked outside a hotel lobby in Korea, highlighting its striking presence.

  • 11:49

    Meyers Manx Canyon Dynamicsinsight

    The host reports that upgrading the Manx cooling, oil, and shock valving transformed it into a fun, analog canyon carving experience.

  • 31:45

    Cybertruck Sales Collapse Datadata

    Reviewing a Bloomberg article, the hosts examine data showing the Cybertruck suffered a massive 48% sales decline and missed projections.

  • 47:56

    Debating Eighties American Carsdebate

    Answering a patron question, the hosts debate whether any good American cars came out in the eighties beyond G-body Chevys.

  • 52:34

    Undervalued Porsche 718 Modelsinsight

    The hosts discuss whether naturally aspirated Porsche 718 GTS and Spyder models represent undervalued alternatives to increasingly expensive 911s.

  • 1:01:02

    Dangerous 1959 Cadillac Finstory

    While filming a 1959 Cadillac limousine, the host painfully discovers that the sharp upper door corners can stab you like an eagle talon.

  • 1:05:13

    Grand Seiko Spring Drive Mechanicsstrategy

    The host explains the unique mechanics of the Grand Seiko spring drive, comparing its electromagnetic braking to a hybrid car's regenerative brakes.

Quotes

  • “The numbers compared to the Edsel are just brutal.”
    Matt Farah · 30:05
  • “The confidence for the corners, you're not going that fast.”
    Matt Farah · 14:47
  • “The Cybertruck is potentially the biggest sales flop of all time.”
    Matt Farah · 29:55
  • “That was, that was waning, they're figuring it out, but like, that's when you had big displacement, no power.”
    Unnamed speaker · 50:04
  • “A spring drive Seiko movement is sort of like a, a hybrid car, but a hybrid car that cannot be plugged in.”
    Matt Farah · 1:06:17
  • “I think the sentimental value comes from it just being the way it was when your uncle had it.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:13:05
  • “Bring a Trailer and Cars and Bids, you know, and other auctions are harder, especially given if the car is rarer and/or more special, because there's more likely to be like shenanigans.”
    Matt Farah · 1:24:07
  • Delete Me 10:57–13:08
  • Avance 26:57–28:45
  • Grand Seiko 39:59–41:37
  • thesmoken tire 46:54–47:35
  • Patreon 47:29–47:56
  • patrons 1:30:33–1:30:47
  • collab blazers 1:30:47–1:30:53

About this episode

New Cyber Truck data puts Ford to shame; Matt Farah has a driving update on his airplane-engine-powered Meyers Manx; when they sold bricks; a Cadillac limo you should want; Grand Seiko ambassador; and Patreon questions include: Did America make ANY good cars in the 80s?? Are Boxsters and Caymans undervalued? The old commuter cars we'd love to drive What to do with that family heirloom car Isn't that just a rebodied Boxster? The WORST thing spilled in a cabin was... Used EV for $20k? Are people cross-shopping the C8 with Porsche and Ferrari? Why do people hate the Grand Seiko Spring Drive? Would we ever race dirt bikes? The best cat toys are Why doesn't every car have an LSD? Ever miss the C5 Corvette or Fox Body? How to fail after the first time Our experience with the C208 CLK And more! Recorded July 28, 2026 The TST hoodie jackets: https://www.thegrottomenswear.com/thesmokingtire/ Tickets to our LIVE show at the Irvine Improv are going quick! https://improv.com/irvine/event/the+smoking+tire+live+feat.+smith+and+sniff+with+matt+farah%2C+zack+klapman%2C+richard+porter%2C+and+jonny+smith/14213624/ DeleteMe Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to www.joindeleteme.com/TIRE and use promo code TIRE at checkout. Avants https://avants.com/tst use code TST for 10% off your membership! Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! For a 10% discount on your first case go to https://www.offtherecord.com/TST 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 Enter to WIN our AMAZING 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S!! https://www.dreamgiveaway.com/tickets/porsche?promo=SMOKINGTIRE Promo Code Offer: Get 4X bonus tickets with any donation of $25 or more. With every donation you are helping benefit some wonderful veterans' and children's charities. Podcast Promo Code: SMOKINGTIRE

Transcript

0:00
1:31:00

16,018 words · 2 speakers

Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

Topics

  • Manx
  • Cybertruck
  • Porsche 718 GTS
  • Porsche 911
  • Porsche 911 Turbo S
  • Kia EV6

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