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Cheap Tesla FSD Insurance?; Corvette E-Ray Review; Q&A

Cheap Tesla FSD Insurance?; Corvette E-Ray Review; Q&A

The Smoking Tire Jan 22, 2026 84 min
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About this episode

Exploring the latest in automotive news, this episode dives into a potential insurance option for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, alongside a review of the Corvette E-Ray from Sedona, Arizona. Matt shares his extensive road trip experience, discussing the car's performance and handling. The hosts also engage in a lively Q&A session, tackling topics from project cars to the future of high-performance SUVs. With humor and insight, they navigate the complexities of car ownership and driving experiences.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Chevrolet Corvette
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"...I am in Sedona, Arizona on a scout in the Corvette E-Ray, while Zach is at home scratching his balls."

The Corvette E-Ray is a new type of Corvette that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to make it faster and more efficient. It's a blend of traditional sports car performance with some new technology.

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Term

PS4S

"All it'll drive helps, but PS4S is when it's 22 degrees can only do so much. I didn't have any whoopsies, but I had a little bit of a little bit of a puckery slide under breaking."

PS4S is a type of tire made by Michelin that is designed for sports cars. It performs well in warm weather but can lose grip when it's very cold outside.

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Term

tarmac

"...because the tarmac there is very good."

Tarmac is a type of road surface that is made from stones and tar. It's strong and is often used for highways and other roads.

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Concept

Barrett-Jackson

"And then, you know, it's Barrett Jackson week in Scottsdale. So I didn't even know that."

Barrett-Jackson is a famous car auction where people buy and sell unique and classic cars. It's a big event for car lovers and collectors.

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Manx
Joseph Mischyshyn (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Manx

"...we're doing the ice race with the Manx, the fat ice race in Montana in February. Philip Seraphim, owner of Manx, has has kindly offered to put the car on his transporter..."

The Manx is a fun, lightweight off-road vehicle that was made from a Volkswagen Beetle. It's great for driving on sand or rough terrain.

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Aston Martin Valhalla
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Aston Martin Valhalla

"...y Friday, Saturday. But I've been invited on the Valhalla launch, the Aston Valhalla launch, which is the ..."

The Aston Martin Valhalla is a super fancy sports car that uses both gas and electric power. It's designed to be really fast and stylish, appealing to car lovers.

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Brand

Volkswagen

"I think that machine was made by Volkswagen because it's cleaning itself a lot."

Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many popular cars. They are known for their reliable vehicles and have a long history in the automotive world.

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Concept

hill climb

"They started doing a hill climb class with them. I think in Florida, Christy Plessy, you know, formerly ran Monticello..."

Hill climbing is a racing event where cars drive up a steep hill as fast as they can. It's a fun way to see how fast cars can go on a tough road.

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Sierra
Kieran White from Manchester, England (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Sierra

"But I think I saw on Instagram, a guy put 35s on a Sierra."

The Ford Sierra is a car that Ford made from the 1980s to the 1990s. It's known for its unique shape and was used in racing events.

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GMC Sierra
Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

GMC Sierra

"It was just a Sierra with bigger tires on it. Like it didn't seem. Not only they have tiny wheels."

The GMC Sierra is a big truck that people use for work or to haul things. It's known for being strong and reliable.

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Term

King of Hammers

"I mean, the buggies are doing well at King of Hammers."

King of Hammers is a big off-road race where drivers go over rocks and through deserts. It's really tough and popular among people who love off-roading.

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Term

two-stroke engine

"...You just really got to get that mixture right. Don't do that at home, folks."

A two-stroke engine is a type of engine that makes power with just two movements of the piston instead of four. This makes them lighter and simpler, which is why they're often found in small machines like lawnmowers and motorcycles.

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Term

nitrous oxide

"I mean, like yeah, nitrous oxide has been like legal. But like we had to go to like a shady ass, like industrial grade chemical store..."

Nitrous oxide is a gas that can help cars go faster by giving them more power. It's often used in racing to make engines stronger for short bursts of speed.

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Term

e-motor

"It only has one e-motor and it's on the front axle. It doesn't have a gearbox motor generator at all."

An e-motor is a part of electric cars that helps them move by using electricity. It works with or instead of a regular gas engine.

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Term

torque

"...you hit the pedal. It definitely gives you a lot more torque at 2000 RPM than you otherwise would have. It's good at that."

Torque is how strong the engine is at moving the car, especially when starting or going up a hill. It helps the car speed up quickly from a stop.

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Term

steering weight

"...the steering is really heavy, even in torque mode that's got adjustable weight."

Steering weight is how hard or easy it is to turn the steering wheel. Some cars let you change this so it feels lighter or heavier depending on your preference.

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Term

darty

"And it's the steering is really heavy and it's really darty. It's got two 75 fronts, which are that's a big wide tire for a mid-engine car."

When a car is described as 'darty', it means it feels like it is moving around too much when you steer, making it harder to control. This can happen for different reasons, like how the car is built or the type of tires it has.

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Term

wide tire

"It's got two 75 fronts, which are that's a big wide tire for a mid-engine car. You know, the Ferrari 458 has like two 55s, if not two 45s."

Wide tires are those that are broader than normal, which helps a car grip the road better. But they can also make the car feel different when steering, especially if the car's weight is not balanced well.

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Ferrari 458
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ferrari 458

"You know, the Ferrari 458 has like two 55s, if not two 45s. And so and even I think the ZR1 only is like two 65 or maybe two 55 at the front."

The Ferrari 458 is a fast sports car made by Ferrari. It has a powerful engine in the middle of the car, which helps it handle well on the road and makes it exciting to drive.

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ZR1
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

ZR1

"And so and even I think the ZR1 only is like two 65 or maybe two 55 at the front. I think the extra weight of the battery and the motor and all that stuff, the power unit up there might necessitate a wider tire."

The ZR1 is a super-fast version of the Chevrolet Corvette, designed for high performance. It has a strong engine and special features that help it drive better on the road.

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Term

mid-engine car

"I think the extra weight of the battery and the motor and all that stuff, the power unit up there might necessitate a wider tire, but it it it cut it catches ruts in the road and so it darts a lot, which is not something that mid-engine cars tend to do."

A mid-engine car is a type of car where the engine is placed in the middle, which helps it handle better when driving. This design is common in sports cars because it balances the weight nicely.

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Term

all wheel drive

"That's the all wheel drive. So we want the rear wheel drive car."

All wheel drive means that the car can send power to all four wheels, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.

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Term

rear wheel drive

"So we want the rear wheel drive car. If the rear wheel drive car has narrower front tires or maybe it doesn't..."

Rear wheel drive means the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine, which can make it handle better, especially when driving fast.

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Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

"...when you and I drove that black Z06, what we call the touring spec, it wasn't darty because it had a road alignment on it."

The Z06 is another performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette, built for speed and better handling on the road and track.

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Porsche 918 Spyder
Chelsea Jay (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche 918 Spyder

"Unlike the Porsche 918, the Acura NSX, the Revuelto and the Temurario, which have two motors up front and have that sort of magical steering."

The Porsche 918 is a high-performance sports car that uses both a gasoline engine and electric motors to deliver power. It's known for being very fast and efficient.

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Acura Nsx
This picture has been taken by Oleg Yunakov. Contact e-mail: yunakovgmail.com. Image can be used in accordance with the terms of the СС-BY-SA license. Other photos can be seen here. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Acura Nsx

"...good at saying this. Unlike the Porsche 918, the Acura NSX, the Revuelto and the Temurario, which have two ..."
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Term

electric drive unit

"Because I was curious if it's a weight thing. So the internet says that the electric drive unit weighs 80 pounds. Overall, the car weighs 300 pounds more than the regular like Z 51."

An electric drive unit helps power electric cars by turning electricity from the battery into movement. It's like the engine for electric vehicles.

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Term

Z51

"Overall, the car weighs 300 pounds more than the regular like Z 51. So and a lot of that mass is obviously in the middle where the battery is."

The Z51 is a special performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette that makes the car handle better and go faster. It has features that improve its performance on the road or track.

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Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
HJUdall (CC0)
Car

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

"...I'm leaning towards the Cadillac CT4 for Blackwing. I think would actually be if they still have one of those in the fleet. I think that would be kind of a delight, actually."

The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is a sporty version of the Cadillac CT4, which has a powerful engine and is built for performance driving. It's known for being fun to drive and very capable on the road.

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Cadillac Ct
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Cadillac Ct

"...ually time. I'm thinking I'm leaning towards the Cadillac CT for Blackwing. I think would actually be if they..."

The Cadillac CT6 is a big luxury car that is very comfortable and has a lot of high-tech features. It's made for people who want a fancy driving experience.

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BMW M3
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW M3

"...That is such a good car. I mean, it's the better M3. Yeah, I think it's a fantastic thing."

The BMW M3 is a sporty car that is really fun to drive. It's designed to be fast and handle well on the road, making it a favorite for people who love cars.

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Term

touch screen

"And then you've got your your touch screen, which is similar to how it's been with that."

A touch screen is a screen in the car that you can touch to control things like music and navigation, making it easier to use than buttons.

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Tesla Semi
Korbitr (Public domain)
Car

Tesla Semi

"...ry, willing to cover a private user while using a semi autonomous system. Having said that, a couple of..."

The Tesla Semi is a big electric truck that helps transport goods. It's designed to be more efficient and better for the environment than traditional trucks.

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Term

FSD

"...for your car. So even though it integrates with FSD in the way, a similar way, probably that one of those OBD dongles integrates..."

FSD means Full Self-Driving, which is a technology from Tesla that helps their cars drive on their own. It includes features that assist the driver in various situations.

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Term

level two system

"So you're still responsible for what happens in this car, whether you're using FSD or not. OK, so what they're saying is they're they're using lemonade's usage based risk prediction models..."

A level two system means the car can help with driving, like steering and speeding up or slowing down, but you still have to pay attention and be ready to take control if needed.

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Tesla
Ralf Roletschek (GFDL 1.2)
Car

Tesla

"...for Tesla owners that have the company's semi autonomous FSD system in use. So I would really like to see how this works..."

Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for their high-tech features, including the ability for some cars to drive themselves.

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Jaguar XJ220
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Jaguar XJ220

"...ple is Jaguar never used a detuned version of the XJ220 engine. Bespoke."

The Jaguar XJ220 is a very fast and rare sports car from the 90s. It's known for its sleek look and powerful engine, making it a dream car for many.

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Nissan Skylines
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Nissan Skylines

"... I guess you did get lesser RB engines in smaller skylines. So that doesn't count."

The Nissan Skyline is a popular car, especially known for its fast versions. It's loved by car fans for its performance and cool design.

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Mclaren F1
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mclaren F1

"So that doesn't count. And I was thinking McLaren F1, but we got we got lesser powered BMW V12s. You ..."

The McLaren F1 is an extremely fast and expensive sports car from the 90s. It's famous for its unique design and incredible speed, making it a dream car for many enthusiasts.

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Audi S8
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi S8

"...que. I guess the V10 did make it into the S6 and S8. So that did that made it to the V12."

The Audi S8 is a fancy car that is also very fast. It has a lot of nice features inside and is made for people who want a comfortable but exciting ride.

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Audi S6
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Audi S6

"...tty unique. I guess the V10 did make it into the S6 and S8. So that did that made it to the V12."
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Tata Motors Aria
Corvettec6r (CC0)
Car

Tata Motors Aria

"...it that in there and just straight up won't fit. Aria Zand says he liked the episode we did talking ab..."

The Tata Motors Aria is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of space inside. It's made for people who need a practical vehicle for everyday use.

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Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

"...rs. Like those 80 the late the 70s and 80s Aston V8 vantage that now is like 300, 400,000 bucks, those thing..."

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a fancy sports car that looks really nice and goes fast. It's made for people who want a luxurious driving experience.

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage
MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

"I would still you give me you give me a 2010 V12 vantage with six speed. That is a fucking hold."

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a fast and exciting sports car that has a big engine, which makes it fun to drive. It's not just a car to invest in; it's also enjoyable to take out on the road.

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Chevrolet Beretta
Bull-Doser (Public domain)
Car

Chevrolet Beretta

"... about super lame, but I always thought the Chevy Beretta was cool. And I don't think that's aged particul..."

The Chevrolet Beretta is a small car that was popular in the 90s. It has a sporty look and was a good option for people looking for an affordable vehicle.

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Dodge Avenger
Kieran Holdren (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Dodge Avenger

"...of cars when I was a kid, when the when the Dodge Avenger coupe came out, I mean, actually it looked kind ..."

The Dodge Avenger is a regular-sized car that looks sporty and is affordable. It's a good choice for people who want a nice-looking car without spending too much.

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Chevrolet Suburbans
OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Suburbans

"...ck ish and then as an adult, like 80s, Cadillacs, Suburbans. I mean, things that sounded like dragsters and ..."

The Chevrolet Suburban is a big family vehicle that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for road trips and has been around for a really long time.

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Subaru Outback
IFCAR (Public domain)
Car

Subaru Outback

"...ld, most of us, the dealership don't like the new outback either. We talked about that on the last show."

The Subaru Outback is a versatile car that can handle different types of roads. It's great for families and people who like to go on adventures.

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Porsche Cayman
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Porsche Cayman

"... on the last show. Panama bread says he's driven Cayman boxers in canyons, but doesn't find them that ex..."

The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car that is fun to drive and has a great design. It's made for people who love to drive and want a car that feels exciting on the road.

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Porsche 911
David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Porsche 911

"...reference, their Canyon cars are an R33 GTR and a 911 SC and he drives them at like a six, seven tenth..."

The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that many people recognize. It's known for being fast and stylish, and it's loved by car fans all over the world.

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Honda Preludes
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Honda Preludes

"What's up? We could end on this. Send Preludes, one of the most clever names we've seen. There ..."

The Honda Prelude is a stylish two-door car that was made for people who like to drive. It's known for being fun to handle and has a cool design.

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Subaru WRX
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Subaru WRX

"...ople are always saying that these aren't that my WRX is in the sports car? So to me, I guess a sports..."

The Subaru WRX is a sporty car that can handle all kinds of weather because it has all-wheel drive. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, especially on rough roads.

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Nissan Z
Ethan Llamas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Nissan Z

"...d. I don't want to say its own platform, but the Nissan Z, the Miata, the Mustang, these are not shrunken ..."

The Nissan Z is a cool sports car that people love for its speed and looks. It's been around for a long time and is known for being fun to drive.

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Mazda Miata
Yaktatel (Public domain)
Car

Mazda Miata

"...nt to say its own platform, but the Nissan Z, the Miata, the Mustang, these are not shrunken down versio..."
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Ford Mustang
Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Ford Mustang

"...ts own platform, but the Nissan Z, the Miata, the Mustang, these are not shrunken down versions of other t..."
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29 cars featured

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