Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In this episode, the hosts break down two major automotive talking points: Tesla's newly unveiled Roadster featuring cold gas thrusters and acrobatic jumping capabilities, and Porsche's upcoming Mission S hypercar equipped with a flat-eight hybrid powertrain and a mechanical-style interior. The hosts analyze the marketing spectacle and historical overpromises surrounding Tesla's reveals, contrasting them with concrete examples like recent autonomous driving crashes. Meanwhile, they offer a much more optimistic and detailed review of Porsche's approach to high-end engineering, analog controls, and timeless interior design.
- Before buying into futuristic vehicle announcements, check the company's delivery track record on past high-profile promises. 24:25
- When car racing in a go-kart, hopping at the start line and out of hairpins provides a noticeable acceleration advantage. 58:17
- Reducing unsprung weight by upgrading to lightweight wheels and two-piece rotors significantly improves a car's turn-in and braking feel. 1:16:22
- When choosing a commuter sports car, avoid older automatic transmissions in performance vehicles if they lack fast shifting capability. 1:09:21
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro & Sponsor Highlights
Hosts open the show, introduce Avance and other sponsors while setting the stage for the episode’s main topics.
- 1:12Tesla Crash Context and FSD Critique
The hosts discuss the October 13 Tesla crash involving a police cruiser, using it to frame concerns about Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving claims.
- 35:09Safety, Liability, and Regulatory Concerns
They debate the legal and safety implications of a flying car, including crash standards and potential liability for Tesla and Porsche.
- 43:25Mission S Interior & User Experience Discussion
Hosts dive into the Mission S’s interior layout, gauge design, and the reliance on a smartphone for controls.
- 50:58Porsche’s Future: Gas vs. Electric
Matt and Zach discuss Porsche’s strategy of keeping high‑end gas cars while electrifying lower models, and the implications for enthusiasts.
- 1:04:36The Mission S and 911 Dynamics
They analyze how the new Mission S will affect demand, value, and availability of the Porsche 911 and other high‑performance models.
- 1:06:53Tesla Roadster and Space‑Age Claims
The hosts critique Tesla’s Roadster claims, questioning the feasibility of its purported flight‑like features and the company’s marketing tactics.
- 1:09:45Car Modding and Practical Builds
Discussion of practical modifications, such as the 8‑speed swap on a C6 Corvette and weight reduction on a Lexus RCF, with advice for enthusiasts.
- 1:16:35Unpacked: Unsprung Weight Reduction
Exploration of the math behind unsprung weight reduction, its impact on handling, and real‑world examples from racing and street cars.
- 1:20:44Tesla’s Robotaxi and Revenue Models
The conversation turns to Tesla’s robotaxi vision, its potential revenue streams, and the broader implications for the automotive industry.
- 1:21:28Political Controversies and Personal Ethics
Matt and Zach reflect on political gestures, personal responsibility, and the importance of ethical conduct in public life.
Highlights
- 4:51
Contextualizing Tesla's Historical Overpromisesinsight
The hosts discuss how Tesla routinely hypes futuristic features—such as autonomous driving, boat modes, and low-cost armored trucks—that ultimately fail to deliver as promised.
- 7:54
Tesla's Sleight of Handinsight
The hosts compare Tesla's presentation style to P.T. Barnum, arguing that while SpaceX engineers could technically build a thruster-powered jumping car, selling a street-legal version to retail customers is unlikely.
- 28:00
Porsche Versus Tesla Approachdebate
Porsche exercises extreme caution with dangerous vehicle functions due to liability, whereas Tesla leans into risky demonstrations and pushes boundaries without guardrails.
- 41:40
The hosts review Porsche's new Mission S, noting it is expected to feature a tri-motor hybrid setup paired with a flat-eight engine and an electrical flat fan.
- 47:15
Minimalist Analog Interiorinsight
The Mission S features a phone mount instead of a giant center screen, leaning into a unique analog aesthetic reminiscent of high-end watches.
- 59:08
Go-Kart Racing Strategystrategy
The host explains that hopping a go-kart out of every hair-pin corner and at the green flag significantly improves low-speed acceleration.
Quotes
“The best people. I have all the best people.”
Matt Farah · 2:06 “You could, you could give someone like a legitimate neck injury if they're not prepared for something like that.”
Matt Farah · 35:09 “I think they will end up with the rear thruster and the fans.”
Unnamed speaker · 21:24 “The Mission S. You know what I like about Porsche is they, they, they like to, uh, they like to obliterate stuff, like someone will come out with something like kinda cool and Porsche will just like obliterate it in some way.”
Matt Farah · 39:55 “I don't want to take their gas away, but, or, or I take their method of getting around away until electric catches up to where it doesn't make your life worse to use it.”
Matt Farah · 51:57 “I think I'd have enough faith in engineers that they would try to make electric cars as fun as possible.”
Unnamed speaker · 55:18 “The consensus seems to be that the Mission S will be 500K MSRP.”
Matt Farah · 1:11:12 “If you want a trunk, you could get an S3.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:12:53 “I think it's six to one.”
Matt Farah · 1:16:46
Sponsored segments
- Avance 0:00–1:12
- Ridge 16:16–19:02
- Mudflap 19:02–21:00
- Delete Me 30:33–32:00
- Casper 31:54–34:13
- Patreon 1:01:58–1:02:50
About this episode
Matt Farah and Zack Klapman scheduled an emergency show to talk about Tesla's "flying" Roadster. What is it, what was that, will anyone ever own it (or use it)? All that and more. Plus, Porsche launches their upcoming supercar - the Mission S - the same day. Recorded October 16, 2026 Show Notes Ridge One thing to pack, five ways to power! Head to https://ridge.com/tire for Ridge’s Friends & Family Sale, where you can buy two Ridge Power Banks and get a third FREE. Mudflap Who is your fuel savings card really working for? With Mudflap, that answer's easy. Keep more of every dollar you earn, because Mudflap has your back. Sign up at https://Muddy.com/tire and get $100 in free fuel credit after approval. DeleteMe Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/tire and use promo code TIRE at checkout. Casper Right now, save up to 25% on mattresses and up to 30% on everything else when you go to https://Casper.com 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
14,786 words · 2 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Topics
- Electric Vehicles
- Porsche Mission S
- Tesla Roadster
- Automotive Design
- Hypercars
- Car Reviews
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