Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
The hosts discuss the latest automotive news, ranging from the Autopian car show in Los Angeles to new French concept cars like the Citroen 2CV EV and the Alpine coupe. They also review the Hyundai Santa Cruz unibody pickup, comparing it with the Ford Maverick, and dive into high-end collector car auctions, including a record-breaking R129 Mercedes SL with a 7.4-liter RenTech engine. Throughout the episode, they debate the practicalities of modern car features, off-road racing strategies, and the wild world of car tuning and aerodynamics.
- Manti aero kits on Porsche GT3 models use innovations like aero discs and diffusers to add downforce without increasing drag. 1:28:00
- The Citroen 2CV reimagined as a modern EV features clever packaging and a playful retro-bistro interior design. 1:10:13
- A modified 1997 Mercedes SL 600 with a 7.4-liter RenTech engine recently fetched $449,000 on Bring a Trailer. 1:15:42
- The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers car-like driving dynamics, but its shorter bed makes hauling larger items more challenging compared to some competitors. 1:03:30
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro and Sponsor Avance
Hosts open the episode, introduce the Avance sponsor and explain its discounts for listeners.
- 0:42Avance Membership Benefits Explained
Detailed rundown of Avance membership perks, including tire discounts and free gift cards.
- 2:00Car Show Experience and Autopian Highlights
Hosts discuss attending the Autopian car show, sharing impressions and notable vehicles.
- 7:00Wrap‑Up and Final Thoughts
Concluding remarks, thanks to sponsors, and a brief recap of the episode’s highlights.
- 13:20Product Spotlights: Align, Factor, AG1, Fitbod
Multiple sponsors are promoted, each with a brief description of benefits and promo codes.
- 32:35Discussion of Specific Cars and Modifications
In-depth talk about various cars seen at the show, including hydraulics and custom builds.
- 42:33French Car Revival and Design Commentary
Hosts analyze new French models like the 2CV and Alpine, praising their styling and heritage.
- 47:09Comparing Citroën Pao to Modern EV
The hosts compare the 1989 Nissan Pao interior to the new Citroën EV, noting design similarities and nostalgic features.
- 48:31CarPlay vs. Sirius Radio Glitch
The hosts explain a frustrating issue with the Santa Cruz’s infotainment system where CarPlay and Sirius radio conflict, and potential fixes.
- 49:42Citroën EV’s Potential in the U.S. Market
Discussion of how Citroën’s EV could break into America, touching on import laws, safety standards, and consumer perception.
- 59:18Hyundai Santa Cruz Hands‑On Review
A detailed walk‑through of the Santa Cruz’s design, interior, cargo space, and driving dynamics, comparing it to other compact pickups.
- 1:00:00Importing a Citroën from Mexico via Carnet
The hosts outline a plan to order a Citroën in Mexico, use a carnet for temporary import, and the logistics of charging infrastructure there.
- 1:28:00Manti Aero Kits for GT3 Cars
The conversation covers how Manti’s aero kits add downforce without sacrificing fuel efficiency, and their impact on track performance.
- 1:38:23GT3 RS vs GT3 Performance Debate
Hosts discuss the trade‑offs between the GT3 RS and the regular GT3, focusing on cost, downforce, and driving feel.
- 1:39:25Manti Package and Track‑Day Insights
They explore the Manti aerodynamic kit, track‑day experiences, and how the kit changes handling and lap times.
- 1:40:28Comparing GT3 RS MR to Cup Cars
The conversation turns to how the GT3 RS MR stacks up against cup cars like the 911 Challenge and the importance of value retention.
- 1:53:21Track‑Day Logistics and Future Events
Hosts outline upcoming track‑day opportunities, locations, and how to book spots for enthusiasts.
Highlights
- 7:50
Amelia and Chris Forsberg Nora Winstory
The hosts discuss how Amelia and Chris Forsberg successfully won their class at the Nora 400 off-road race.
- 23:12
Galpin Car Show Hydraulics Contestdata
The hosts talk about the extreme hydraulics bounce contest at the Galpin car show, where cars managed to get their front wheels over 100 inches in the air.
- 35:40
Brabus Rocket Shooting Brake Proportionsinsight
The hosts examine the Brabus Rocket Shooting Brake based on the AMG GT, praising its striking proportions and emerald green carbon fiber body.
- 1:05:33
Hyundai Santa Cruz Multimedia Glitchinsight
The host details an annoying and persistent multimedia glitch involving Sirius Radio and Apple CarPlay connectivity in the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
- 1:15:58
RenTech Mercedes SL Valuation Debatedebate
The hosts debate the insane half-million-dollar auction price of a modified R129 Mercedes SL and whether rare tuner history justifies the cost.
- 1:28:00
Manti Aero Efficiency Magicstrategy
The host explains how Manti aero kits achieve the seemingly impossible feat of increasing downforce while maintaining or improving fuel efficiency.
- 1:41:55
Stiffer Springs on GT3 RS MRdata
The host explains that to counter over 1,000 kilos of downforce at high speed, the Manti RS runs significantly stiffer front and rear springs.
Quotes
“I have a Mank's. That shit won Baja. Like, you can't, I can't believe that. 1960, someone fucking won, showed up in Baja with that and went,”
Matt Farah · 12:52 “I think if we had to drive that Nissan thing that Amelia and Chris were driving, we'd probably be fucked up.”
Matt Farah · 12:42 “I love Quince because they have my fall season on lock.”
Matt Farah · 25:41 “I'm not sure you appreciate just how similar this is to the Pao in so many ways.”
Matt Farah · 47:13 “If they sell this in America, no joke, 100%, you've, you've sold one. My wife would fucking love it.”
Matt Farah · 49:08 “Because it does say La Douche.”
Matt Farah · 48:56 “I think that's why when we looked at the prices, we're like, why are these the same?”
Unnamed speaker · 56:15 “The RS kit costs double what the regular GT3 kit costs.”
Matt Farah · 1:39:19 “This one doesn't come to you. It doesn't meet you where you are. You gotta go to it.”
Matt Farah · 1:42:56 “The amount of mechanical grip was the same, just the aero changed, so...”
Matt Farah · 1:40:53
Sponsored segments
- Avance 0:00–0:50
- Align Footwear 13:16–15:04
- Factor 15:04–17:34
- Quince 26:40–28:04
- AG1 28:04–30:37
- Fitbod 30:33–32:34
- Tactile Turn Company 55:15–55:33
- Patreon.com slash The Smoking Tire Podcast 1:56:58–1:57:07
About this episode
Zack Klapman reports from the Galpin Auto annual car show; Citroen releases a new EV inspired by the famous 2CV; Matt Farah reviews the Hyundai Santa Cruz; which car is the best for a lowrider bouncer; Brabus built a shooting break; and... Patreon questions include: Cars we loved a kids but hate today Are we pricing cars wrong? Buy a car if you hate the color? Is the Mustang Dark Horse SC a "good Mustang"? Should horsepower be harder to buy? Tesla autopilot in a Lyft? New GT3RS worth the money over 2016s? Why sedans don't have rear wipers Calculating $/mile ownership 3 car garage: alphanumeric cars only Are tech bros disrupting the car industry? And more! Recorded October 12, 2026 Avants https://avants.com/tst use code TST for 10% off your membership! Align Shoes Get 20% off your first pair with code “TIRE” at checkout at https://www.alignshoe.com. Promotion valid for 20% off one pair of full-priced footwear with code TIRE. Offer not valid for items on sale. Quince Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://Quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. AG1 Go to https://DrinkAG1.com/TIRE and for a limited time, get a free Immune Support Bundle, including a bottle of Omega-3 fish oil and a bottle of Vitamin D3K2, with your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro. Factor Head to https://FACTORMEALS.com/tire50off and use code tire50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. See website for more details. Fitbod' Get 25% off your Fitbod subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at https://Fitbod.me/TIRE 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
Transcript
25,664 words · 2 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Topics
- Manti
- Porsche
- Maverick
- Mercedes
- EV
- RenTech
- Ford
- 2CV
- Autopian
- Tesla
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated