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Comedian Abbas Wahab

Comedian Abbas Wahab

The Smoking Tire Apr 28, 2026 93 min
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About this episode

Abbas Wahab and the hosts riff on how car culture shapes his stand-up, with his material landing especially well among gearheads who finally hear someone joke about cars the way they talk about them. The conversation veers into Dax Shepard’s car-heavy movie work, stunt driving, and the weird economics of podcasting, including massive sales and generational-wealth deals. They also debate live-show setlists, encore etiquette, and how comedians and musicians balance crowd favorites with new material.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

moving violation points

"You see, if you get points on your license, [22.8s] you could be at risk for insurance premium increases, possibly employment issues if you [28.9s] have to have a clean driving record for your job, and more, not to mention the fines and [33.9s] all the other inconveniences."

Some states add “points” to your driver’s license when you get tickets. More points can mean higher insurance prices and sometimes can hurt jobs that require a clean driving record.

Topic

Chips (TV show remake)

"He made a movie, the remake of the TV show Chips. Did you ever know that show? It was about a minute before my time. Oh, it definitely was before your fucking time. But it's your kind of show. It's about two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers."

They’re talking about the “CHiPs” TV show remake. It’s about two California Highway Patrol officers who ride motorcycles, and it’s played as action-comedy.

Topic

Hit and Run (movie)

"So Dax also directed a movie called Hit and Run before that. Yeah. Which like was a little bit of a hokey movie. Was it Mid 2000s? Yeah, yeah, yeah."

They’re talking about Dax’s movie “Hit and Run.” The point is that it has lots of car chases and the driving is meant to feel real.

Concept

stunt driving

"But he just wanted to do all his own stunt driving. And there's like six car chases in this movie. That's hilarious. Very little happens in the movie, but like a bunch of car chases."

Stunt driving means doing the dramatic driving tricks you see in movies. It’s planned and practiced so it looks intense on camera but is still controlled and safe.

Concept

post Travis Pastrana era

"level us up for 2020 post Travis Pastrana era? And he came on our podcast to talk about it."

They’re referencing a time period after Travis Pastrana helped popularize extreme stunts. The idea is that the movie’s action feels like it’s built on that newer stunt culture.

Concept

GoPro mounted shot

"Mounted shot. Yeah. Had it on the arm. Was it all like GoPro? And then he had his own podcast suspiciously soon after that."

A GoPro mounted shot means putting a small camera on the car (or driver) so you see the chase from a more “in the action” viewpoint. It makes the scene feel faster and more intense.

Topic

ice race

"I met a dude... Okay. Cool. Okay. In Montana. And he has a podcast. Yeah. It's a tech podcast."

An ice race is a car event held on frozen ground. Since the surface is slippery, drivers have to be careful and the tires and handling setup matter a lot. It’s a different kind of driving than normal road racing.

Concept

solid state batteries

"This show is actually going to be all about solid state batteries today. That's why you guys brought in, you're trying to increase the value."

Solid-state batteries are a type of EV battery that uses a solid material inside instead of a liquid. The goal is to store more energy and be safer. The challenge is making them reliably and cheaply enough for everyday cars.

Concept

valuation

"Welcome to the Smokingsons entrepreneurship hour. Yeah. You guys brought me in. What's your rising grind routine? To spike your numbers, try to increase the valuation uphill battle that we do."

Valuation is basically how much people think a company is worth. If a company is working on something important for cars—like new battery tech—its value can change quickly as it proves it can deliver results. It’s about business value, not vehicle performance.

Concept

switch gears

"...there's a moment of the show where it's kind of like, what is kind of do a joke like this is the whole show, by the way. And then I'll switch gears into like, you know, life and it's not 100%."

They’re using “switch gears” as a figure of speech. It just means “change topics” or “shift to something else,” not literally changing a car’s gears.

Car

BMW E46

"...even us, you even 20 minutes into being like E 46. And like that guy works out, you know, you know, that guy's at whatever Jiffy loop..."

“E46” is BMW’s code name for a specific generation of the 3 Series. Car people say it like shorthand because it instantly tells them which era of car they mean.

Topic

compliment sandwich

"...You want their new thing to be sandwiched in between hits. I want them to open middle and close with hits. You want the compliment sandwich. It's not the same with comedy..."

They’re talking about how to arrange a show: play the popular songs at the beginning and end, and put the newer material in the middle. The goal is to keep people happy the whole time.

Concept

Mars

"He's going to be president of Mars. He's going to be worshipped on Mars. Like 100 years from now, Mars will have people on it and he will be like the guy that will be his cult."

They’re imagining humans living on Mars. That would require building places that can keep people safe and alive for a long time.

Concept

cheap domes that don't have UV resistance

"We'll be gone. And if you don't, we have Mars, Moscone and I'll praise be to the name of the planet. But he'll use cheap domes that don't have UV resistance, which will turn the people into mutant freaks."

They’re describing living in dome-shaped shelters that aren’t protected from the sun’s UV rays. Without UV protection, the shelter materials and the people inside would be in trouble over time.

Term

UV tint

"“You want to upgrade your dome, right? We need recurring revenue, you guys… I’m just saying. I think I’m going to put UV tint on the windows of my house.”"

UV tint is a film you put on windows to block the sun’s UV rays. People use it to help keep things from fading and to make the space feel more comfortable.

Term

infrared

"“The UV, but UV doesn't do too much heating like infrared. Like the lower end of the spectrum does more of the heating.”"

Infrared is another type of sunlight energy that tends to feel like heat. The transcript is comparing UV (more about damage/fading) versus infrared (more about warming).

Term

paint finishes

"“The UV, they'll do more of like biological damage or like degrade, you know, paint finishes.”"

Sunlight can slowly wear down car paint. UV rays can make the color fade and the surface break down faster.

Term

angle grinder

"Marlboro, Chocobacola, two cartons of Marlboro Reds, and somewhere I could smoke indoors while I use an angle grinder. Yeah."

An angle grinder is a power tool with a spinning disc that can cut or grind metal. They’re basically describing a busy workshop scene where tools are being used.

Brand

Herman Miller

"But this is a Herman Miller boss, give him your fucking chair, Steve. And bring the ottoman."

Herman Miller makes high-end office chairs. The hosts are joking that the shop setup is so nice they even bring in a premium chair for the guy working there.

Term

HEPA filters

"Get some filter, HEPA filters in, because you got a show. If he doesn't smoke, you're going to ruin it. Like, this is not going to be a good show for you."

HEPA filters are high-efficiency air filters designed to capture very fine particles, including smoke particulates. In the transcript, they’re discussing using HEPA filtration to keep an indoor “show” from being ruined by smoke-related air quality and residue.

Concept

indoor smoking rules no longer apply

"If you hit a certain level of artistry in whatever you do, indoor smoking rules no longer apply to you. Sure. That's a crime for poor people. Yeah, exactly."

They’re joking that if you’re really good at what you do, people stop enforcing the usual rules. It’s not a technical car idea—more of a social joke about status.

Company

Ford

"Guys, taking a break from the action because support is coming in fast, like Jim Farley, [1597.7s] the CEO of Ford, who's now got a podcast. And you're always asking me what I'm listening to"

Ford is a major car company. Here they’re talking about Ford’s CEO and a podcast where he talks about cars and driving.

Company

Drive with Jim Farley

"when not recording this show. And right now it's this, the new season of Drive with Jim Farley. [1608.7s] In it, the Ford CEO talks to some of his favorite people about what they're driving"

“Drive with Jim Farley” is a podcast where Ford’s CEO talks about cars and what inspires people. It’s car-focused, so it’s interesting even if you’re not into business talk.

Concept

Formula One

"Like Formula One driver Daniel Ricardo. Listen, [1618.7s] there's a well-worn trope about racing drivers not being interesting to listen to."

Formula One is the highest level of race car competition. It’s where drivers and teams build and race very high-tech cars.

Car

RWB Manila

"Yeah, we're gonna have to take that north face and wall out. It appears that this is RWB Manila. So they have probably built a outdoor like stadium in the Philippines for him to come build cars."

RWB is a company that customizes certain Porsches with big, dramatic bodywork. “RWB Manila” just means they were doing that work in Manila, Philippines.

Concept

body shop work

"And he is an icon because have we talked about any other body shop work? I mean, ring brothers, they do amazing work, but we don't go look at the picture of them building the thing."

A body shop is where they do the car’s outer sheet metal work—things like panels and body shape. In this conversation, they’re saying some shops make the body changes the main “show” of the car.

Car

Chevrolet Impala

"The badge looked like it should be mounted in the rear window of an Impala. I mean, this is an old one."

They’re just using the Chevrolet Impala as a reference point for what the badge looks like—like it belongs on an older car. It’s a visual joke about size and style, not something actually related to the Impala.

Term

plus one

"That's like, this is right here is where you've gone plus one on your wheel size here, but you don't want to go plus two."

“Plus one” means upgrading to the next bigger wheel size. People do it to change the look, but they try to keep the tire size matched so the car doesn’t rub or look/drive weird.

Term

wheel size

"This is right here is where you've gone plus one on your wheel size here, but you don't want to go plus two."

Wheel size is basically how big the rims are. If you go up a size or two, the tires and clearance have to be matched so everything still fits correctly.

Term

17

"It just gets crazy. This is like a 17. No, it's like an 18."

“17” means the wheel is 17 inches across. When you change wheel size, you usually have to adjust the tire size too so the car still fits and drives normally.

Term

plus two

"but you don't want to go plus two. Oh, right. Yeah. It just gets crazy. This is like a 17."

“Plus two” means going up two wheel sizes instead of one. That can make fitment harder—tires may rub, and the ride can get harsher if the setup isn’t chosen carefully.

Term

18

"This is like a 17. No, it's like an 18. That's an 18. Go back to that guy."

“18” means the wheel is 18 inches. It’s often a common upgrade size, and the tire has to be chosen so it still clears and doesn’t mess up the car’s overall dimensions.

Term

20

"This is like a 20. That's dub deuces right…"

“20” means 20-inch wheels. Bigger wheels usually come with shorter, stiffer tires, which can look great but may ride rougher and need careful fitment.

Term

dub deuces

"This is a 20. That's dub deuces right…"

“Dub deuces” is slang for 20-inch wheels. People use it like a nickname for wheel size.

Concept

firefighters fighting an actual fire

"Well, these are all photos of them fighting an actual fire. For sure. But and the one of the first one, if you go back to the really big one, it had like"

They’re talking about real fires firefighters respond to. That’s why they’re mentioning gear and setup that helps during the job.

Concept

cop cars

"If the Eagles win, they set the fucking building on fire. If the Eagles lose, they set the building on fire and roll the cop cars. Like it's crazy."

They mean police cars. It’s just part of the story they’re telling, not a specific vehicle being discussed.

Brand

Volkswagen

"Anyway, I got the, I got a tick one right now from Volkswagen and driving these new cars, everything, bro, everything. No one has something to"

Volkswagen is a car company from Germany. The host is saying they’re driving newer Volkswagen cars and noticing how things work with modern tech.

Car

Dodge Charger

"I was just had the new charger and it has a shifter and it's actually like a quote pistol grip shifter. That's just like marketing name."

They’re talking about the Dodge Charger and how it still has a real gear shifter. Newer cars often remove that center shifter, so your right hand has fewer natural places to rest.

Term

pistol grip shifter

"it has a shifter and it's actually like a quote pistol grip shifter. That's just like marketing name. It's more like a mollusk grip..."

A pistol grip shifter is a gear lever you hold like a grip, not a long stick. The host’s point is that the shape can make it easier (or harder) to rest your hand comfortably.

Term

follow distance

"All of the, all of the cars have lane departure, follow distance. They, they optimized and they're so set up for you to have very little input."

Follow distance is about keeping a safe gap from the car in front automatically. The host is saying that when these systems handle more of the driving, it can change how you sit and where your arms naturally go.

Concept

driver-assist optimization

"They, they optimized and they're so set up for you to have very little input. Yeah. And then so your, your arms naturally leave the steering wheel."

They’re talking about how newer cars use technology to help you drive with less effort. But if the car is doing more, your body may not feel as comfortable because your hands and posture aren’t used to it.

Term

lane departure

"All of the, all of the cars have lane departure, follow distance. They, they optimized and they're so set up for you to have very little input."

Lane departure systems watch the road lines and help if you start to drift out of your lane. The host’s point is that when the car does more of the work, your body position and steering habits can feel different.

Car

Ford Crown Victoria

"I did that. Dude, what, I just, my body feels so imbalanced on a quality. We'll put your hands 10 and two... I drove a Crown Vic for two, three years and it, no bolstering or anything."

They’re referencing the Ford Crown Victoria to make a comfort point. If the seat doesn’t hold you in place well, you may lean and that can mess up your back over time.

Term

arm rest

"I actually get bruises on my elbows from resting them on either the arm rest or whatever. I"

They’re saying that after long drives, resting your elbows on the armrest can cause bruising. It’s a reminder that comfort details like armrest shape and height affect how you feel later.

Term

big wide screen

"The big, the big wide screen is the new thing. Have you seen the new Mercedes? Yeah. We talked about it last show."

They’re talking about the large screens in the dashboard. Their point is that newer cars focus on screens a lot, which changes how the whole cabin feels.

Car

Mercedes-Benz EQS

"I thought after the last, the EQs and whatever that they would maybe dial back the screen a little bit, but they doubled it. They doubled it. Yeah. I was really surprised after because no one had good things to say about that. That EQS or EQE that I drove was like driving around like a fucking Coachella tent."

They’re talking about the Mercedes-Benz EQS and how its cabin uses very bright screens and lots of colorful lighting. The complaint is that it can feel like too much and may strain your eyes.

Car

Mercedes-Benz EQE

"That EQS or EQE that I drove was like driving around like a fucking Coachella tent. But it was too bright. Put off that interior. The screen is is aggressive."

They mention the Mercedes-Benz EQE as another electric Mercedes with a big, bright digital setup inside. Their point is that the screens and lighting can feel like “too much” for some people.

Term

mood lighting

"This is the mood lighting or whatever. Yeah. Oh, is this it? That's the EQS. That's what you drove."

Mood lighting is the colored ambient light inside the car that sets the vibe. Some cars make it react to music or change colors, which can be cool but also distracting.

Term

eye fatigue

"That's too much. It's a lot. That's like, that's, that's what concepts in 20, like that's every future concept. And also like the, you know, the blue lighting that halos around the, the dash. And there's just so much eye fatigue. Yes. Absolutely."

Eye fatigue is the strain your eyes feel after staring at intense or constantly changing light sources. The hosts connect it to aggressive interior displays and animated ambient lighting, arguing that too much brightness and motion can be tiring during longer drives.

Concept

windshield screen

"When do you think you think we're going to have like the windshield screen thing? I think if with Waymo and self driving, I think they'll have it in like 10 to 20 years."

A windshield screen would put information right on the glass in front of you. The hosts think self-driving tech could make this kind of display more realistic in the future.

Concept

Waymo

"I think if with Waymo and self driving, I think they'll have it in like 10 to 20 years. Oh, we're looking at the windshield is just stuff. Nothing is 10 to 20 years away, honestly, at this space."

Waymo is a self-driving car company. The idea is that if cars can drive themselves, the dashboard and windshield could become “screens” for information and entertainment instead of things you need to watch while driving.

Term

insurance

"It won't be ubiquitous soon... It won't be ubiquitous until someone figures out the insurance... Well, who's going to insure them?"

Insurance is what determines who pays if there’s an accident. For self-driving cars, it’s complicated to figure out who’s responsible, so insurance rules can slow down how widely they’re allowed to operate.

Concept

autonomous vehicles

"It won't be ubiquitous until someone figures out the insurance... Well, the state has to allow it, right? You have to explicitly allow autonomous vehicles."

Self-driving cars can’t just show up everywhere—they need permission from local laws. The hosts point out that states have to approve autonomous vehicles before they can operate.

Term

self insured

"Waymo's self insured. They're owned by Google. So they don't need, they can insure themselves."

Self-insurance means the company covers its own losses instead of paying an outside insurance company. The hosts imply that this helps Waymo deal with the insurance problem.

Company

Google

"Waymo's self insured. They're owned by Google. So they don't need, they can insure themselves."

Google is the company behind Waymo. In this discussion, they mention that Waymo can insure itself rather than relying on a traditional outside insurer.

Term

full self-driving

"But I heard Tesla's on full self-driving Europe right now. They finally allowed in Europe what they've had here for the last whatever. They don't have something better."

“Full self-driving” is a Tesla software feature that helps the car drive more on its own. But you usually still have to pay attention and be ready to take over, and the rules can differ by country.

Term

put your hand back on steering wheel

"It's still the one here where it's like, put your hand back on steering wheel. It's the same. Got you. You were not allowed to use that at all in Europe until now."

This describes a common requirement in advanced driver-assistance systems: the system may allow hands-off or semi-automated driving, but it periodically demands driver interaction (like placing hands on the wheel) to confirm supervision. It’s a safety/regulatory control to reduce the risk of driver inattention.

Concept

EV market is like 1950s NBA

"They're about to let them in. They're going to take over. I do a joke. I'm like, the EV market is like 1950s NBA and BYD is like black guys."

It’s a joke-metaphor: the hosts are saying the EV market feels early and chaotic, like a league in its early days. They’re implying BYD is moving very fast and shaking things up.

Car

Seagull

"But apparently that's Seagull, that BYD Seagull is like 11. That's like the cheap BYD cars, like 11 grand."

The BYD Seagull is a budget BYD electric car. The point here is that even after added costs like tariffs, it’s still expected to be one of the cheaper EVs.

Term

tariff

"So even out of 100% tariff, it's like 20 grand. It would still be one of the cheapest cars."

A tariff is an extra tax on imported products. Here it’s being used to explain why an imported cheap EV might cost more, but could still remain relatively inexpensive.

Car

Honda Fit

"It looks like a Honda fit, doesn't it? Yeah, it looks like a sad Honda fit."

The Honda Fit is a small hatchback. The speaker is using it as an example of a newer, simple car that should run reliably for a long time.

Concept

fast charging

"...they have like five minute charging... on like batteries, battery chemistries that are like, just charge fast."

Fast charging means you can recharge an EV much quicker than usual. The speaker is saying newer EV tech and chargers make that possible.

Term

high voltage chargers

"...they have like five minute charging... Well, they have high, they have very high voltage chargers."

High-voltage chargers are EV chargers that use higher electrical voltage. That helps the car add energy faster during charging.

Term

500 kilowatt hour

"...it'll be like 500 kilowatt hour or five kilowatts. Yeah."

They’re talking about fast charging. The key idea is that some chargers can deliver a lot of power so the battery can recharge quickly, even though the exact unit they said sounds off.

Concept

price of progress

"...But yeah, yeah. Price of progress, right? You know, there's a few things."

“Price of progress” is a framing idea: the benefits of new technology (cheaper, more efficient EV production) come with tradeoffs and costs. The host mentions factors like labor, integration, and control of the battery supply chain as part of that tradeoff.

Term

fires

"...there, you know, there's fires, et cetera. But yeah, yeah. Price of progress, right?"

They’re mentioning that EV batteries and charging can, in rare cases, lead to fires. The point is that even with modern safety improvements, battery tech is still something people watch closely.

Concept

EVs

"...there's half the cars on the road seem to be electric, 33%. A lot. Tesla's like crazy..."

EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. The speaker is saying that in their area, EVs are already very common and they expect that trend to keep growing.

Brand

Tesla

"...there's half the cars on the road seem to be electric, 33%. A lot. Tesla's like crazy..."

Tesla is one of the biggest electric-car companies. The host is pointing out that Tesla cars are everywhere in their area.

Car

Genesis GV60

"...I just spent a week in a gas car, a brand new one. And I got back and I just got into this new Genesis GV60 right now."

The Genesis GV60 is an all-electric Genesis SUV/crossover. The host is saying that after driving a gas car for a week, switching back to the GV60 feels dramatically better for daily use.

Term

all wheel drive

"...it's 73,000 because it's the performance... This is just called performance all wheel drive."

All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in low-grip conditions like rain, snow, or uneven surfaces. The hosts are discussing a specific AWD setup on the car they’re reviewing.

Car

Genesis G90

"I'm getting the G 90 black prestige. That's gonna be dope from Genesis. It's a bummer because I'm like in British Columbia for three, four days for shows alone... has a button to open and close the door."

The Genesis G90 Black Prestige is a flagship luxury sedan from Genesis, and the hosts are excited about its features and comfort. They also connect it to the idea of being chauffeured, emphasizing the rear-seat experience and convenience features like power door operation.

Term

long wheelbase

"...there's a car you want to be in the back seat of this is like long wheelbase. Yeah. That back seat is on some s-class shit."

Long wheelbase just means the car is stretched a bit. That usually gives rear passengers more legroom and makes the back seat more comfortable.

Term

adaptive shocks

"I think it's got air suspension or at the very least very nice adaptive shocks."

Adaptive shocks automatically adjust the suspension to match the road. So it can feel softer on rough roads and firmer when you need more control.

Term

air suspension

"I think it's got air suspension or at the very least very nice adaptive shocks."

Air suspension uses air-filled bags instead of traditional steel springs, allowing the car to adjust ride height and damping for comfort. It’s commonly used on luxury sedans to smooth out bumps and maintain a consistent ride feel.

Car

Bentley Flying Spur

"... like kind of like, what the? This is the budget flying spur for sure. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I think it's g..."

The Flying Spur is a luxury sedan made by Bentley. It’s designed to be very comfortable and feel upscale, especially for long drives. The podcast mentions it as a “budget” version, meaning a less expensive take on the Flying Spur idea.

Car

BMW 7 Series

"And better looking than the new seven series. Yeah. Oh, dude. Oh my God, Refresh. Oh my God, dude. Seven series and s-class used to be like this, bro."

The BMW 7 Series is BMW’s big, top-tier luxury sedan. The speakers are basically saying the newer styling doesn’t look as good as it used to.

Concept

flagship luxury sedan design evolution

"Every time I see a seven series, I'm like, what the fuck happened? Yeah, I don't know. What is it? It's like a giant rectangular prism..."

They’re talking about how the “top” luxury sedans look over the years. The idea is that some generations look timeless, while newer ones can feel weird or overly angular.

Car

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

"Seven series and s-class used to be like this, bro. As far as luxury flagship sedan go, s-class is just so far."

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is Mercedes’ top luxury car. They’re comparing it to the BMW 7 Series and saying the S-Class has held up better visually.

Car

Geo Prism

"...t know. What is it? It's like a giant rectangular prism. It's not great. And I haven't liked the seven s..."

The Geo Prism is a small, basic car. It was built to be practical rather than exciting. In the podcast, the speaker describes it as boxy and says they haven’t liked it.

Concept

rectangular-prism / angular styling

"It's like a giant rectangular prism. It's not great. And I haven't liked the seven series in, I gotta say, 20 years."

They’re describing the car’s shape as getting more boxy and sharp-edged. Some people like that aggressive look, but they’re saying it doesn’t work for them.

Car

Audi S8

"This and the Audi S eight from that period work. Oh, the Audi, bro. The 2002 Audi, the one that Scotto has..."

The Audi S8 is Audi’s top luxury sedan, but tuned for more performance than the regular A8. They’re saying it looked good in that era.

Concept

deferred maintenance / keeping an older luxury car running

"Oh, the 2002 Audi, the one that Scotto has that, you know, God help you if you own one of these and have to keep it running."

They’re basically warning that older luxury cars can be expensive to maintain. Even if they look great, keeping them running can turn into a hassle.

Term

sequential box forward and down

"[3810.0s] That bro would fucks. That is like a guitar. The plus minus shifting that when I saw that as a [3817.3s] valet, I was like, whoa, yeah, dude. Exactly. It's like a sequential box forward and down."

Sequential shifting means the gear changes happen in a set order—usually one step at a time—rather than choosing gears like in an H-pattern. It often feels more like a race car because the shifts are more direct.

Term

plus minus shifting

"[3810.0s] That bro would fucks. That is like a guitar. The plus minus shifting that when I saw that as a [3817.3s] valet, I was like, whoa, yeah, dude."

Plus/minus shifting is when you use controls marked “+” and “−” to change gears up or down. It’s often used with paddle shifters and makes shifting feel more like a race car.

Car

BMW X5

"[3849.3s] thought that was the coolest fucking shit. Dude, I was looking at x fives and like 2020 or 2019 [3855.3s] is the final year they had they stopped having analog dials."

They’re talking about the BMW X5 and how newer versions moved from traditional analog gauges to digital screens. Some people miss the physical needles and dials because they feel more connected to the car.

Term

analog dials

"[3855.3s] is the final year they had they stopped having analog dials. Yeah. And they just switched to just [3860.6s] that digital."

Analog dials are the classic gauge cluster with needles you can see moving. The host likes them because they’re easy to read at a glance and feel more “real” than digital screens.

Term

digital instrument cluster

"[3860.6s] that digital. What and everything is that now. Yeah. I'm like, man, it's such a bummer. Something [3865.4s] about digital."

A digital instrument cluster is the dashboard screen that shows your speed and other info. Some people don’t like it as much because it doesn’t have the moving needles and physical gauges.

Term

speedometer goes to 550

"So go down the street to the Bugatti and the speedometer goes to 550. Yeah, kilometers, kilometers."

That’s just the gauge on the dashboard that shows speed. When it “goes to 550,” it means the car’s instrument cluster is designed to show extremely high speeds.

Term

kilometers

"Yeah, kilometers, kilometers. I mean, I think I think of kilometers as a Canadian, you know, and most of the world, I'm putting that out there."

Kilometers are a unit for measuring distance and speed. The conversation is basically about how speedometers show speed in km/h versus miles per hour.

Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"there was a badass Corvette parked outside of McDonald's. I looked inside and they had the speedometer up to 300."

A Corvette is Chevrolet’s famous sports car. The host is remembering seeing one parked somewhere and noticing how “serious” the speedometer looked.

Concept

speedometer markings vs real-world speed

"Because it was like 320 in real life. The speedometer was for 300 miles... you could clearly see a speedometer that goes to 300 like that, which is a pretty baller move."

Car speedometers can be labeled with huge numbers, even if you’d never drive that fast. The point here is that the gauge is part of the car’s “performance image,” not a promise you’ll actually hit those speeds.

Car

Bugatti Veyron

"It was a big deal when the when Bugatti came out with the Veyron. Because it was like 320 in real life. The speedometer was for 300 miles and miles and miles and miles."

The Bugatti Veyron is a super-expensive, ultra-fast hypercar. The joke here is that its dashboard speedometer was marked for very high speeds, so it looked “wild” even when you weren’t actually driving that fast.

Brand

German

"Zach, will you flip it back to the other page and make the words? Are you German? No. Yeah. I'm a Jew. It's kind of the opposite."

They’re talking about Germany, which is known for a lot of car brands. The joke is about how German cars/people are perceived.

Car

Pontiac Aztec

"Every time I see a Pontiac Aztec, it kind of makes me laugh a little bit. It makes me kind of smile a little bit. Funniest car. I mean, an Aztec is pretty funny to me."

The Pontiac Aztec is a Pontiac car that looks really weird and memorable. People joke about it because the design is so unusual that it stands out even decades later.

Concept

two-stroke

"Oh no, he's just burning oil because I think the sambar was like a two-stroke or something. Oh, that's what all that smells like. They're adorable. Yeah, I love it."

A two-stroke engine is a type of engine that works in a simpler cycle than most modern engines. It can smell different and often feels a bit more “old-school,” which is why the speaker thinks that’s what’s causing the odor.

Concept

press cars

"Well, the funniest thing is now I get press cars. So I got a Nissan Armada recently and right when you say Nissan, they come."

“Press cars” are cars given to reviewers so they can test them and write about them. The speaker is saying it can be hard to stay objective when people already have strong opinions about the brand.

Car

Nissan Armada

"Well, the funniest thing is now I get press cars. So I got a Nissan Armada recently and right when you say Nissan, they come. They come."

The Nissan Armada is a big family SUV with three rows. The speaker is saying that when they get press cars like this, people immediately react to Nissan—so it’s harder to review it completely objectively.

Brand

Stalantis

"But you know, obviously, Stalantis didn't do a lot of good for the PR of Nissan. So people right away attack Nissan. Wait, Stalantis? What do you mean?"

They meant Stellantis, a big company that owns multiple car brands. They’re talking about how that ownership history affects how people react to Nissan.

Car

Nissan Sentra

"Either way, the Carlos Ghosn era and after the fact, you know, my first car was a Nissan Sentra. So there's a billion problems. But Nissan is what people come at nowadays."

The speaker says their first car was a Nissan Sentra, then mentions “a billion problems,” using it to explain why people criticize Nissan. This is personal anecdote rather than a detailed reliability breakdown.

Term

CVT

"That's because the ultimate meme. The CVT kind of fucks you up for them. The worst sense of humor. I mean, I think the 911 people are kind of like"

CVT means “continuously variable transmission.” Instead of fixed gears, it smoothly changes the ratio so the engine can stay in a good range. Some people hate the feel because it can sound and feel weird compared to normal gear shifts.

Car

Porsche 911

"not that 911 is kind of becoming used to be like, that's the car to get to work hard, get that. Now it's kind of like they're all 200 grand for like a base 911."

They’re talking about the Porsche 911. It’s a famous sports car, and the point here is that people are buying it more like a collectible/investment than just for driving.

Concept

air-cooled ones

"And it's all like collectors want the air cooled ones. And it's just kind of like tech bro money people."

They’re talking about older Porsche 911s that were cooled by air instead of liquid. Some car people really like them because they feel more classic and they’re part of what makes those cars special.

Concept

portfolio piece now

"like, I love cars. I want that one. It's all that car will appreciate 10% a year. It's like a portfolio piece now."

The speaker is describing a shift in collector-car culture where certain cars are bought to hold value like an investment portfolio. This “asset” framing changes how people evaluate cars—less about daily enjoyment and more about appreciation, scarcity, and market demand.

Car

Lamborghinis

"And I don't know what this says. He goes, the thing is about Lamborghinis is Lamborghinis is new money and Ferrari is old money."

Lamborghini is discussed as a brand with a different “new money vs old money” reputation than Ferrari, at least in the speaker’s view. The transcript uses the brand name to set up a social/status comparison rather than a technical discussion.

Car

Roma

"if you have money, you had a Ferrari before you had to buy a Roma to get into it. We're looking at the rim."

The Ferrari Roma is being referenced as the entry point to Ferrari ownership for “new money,” according to the speaker’s joke. The Roma is a modern Ferrari grand tourer, and the comparison is used to contrast buyer demographics and brand perception.

Term

engine by its cover

"Like in your seat, like one of these are getting out of the car. It's good for my back... Oh, I can't, I can't, I haven't fact checked this claim, but don't judge an engine by its cover."

They’re saying you shouldn’t judge something important just by how it looks. With cars, the real performance depends on what’s going on underneath.

Car

Subaru Brz

"Saza, as of 2025, the Subaru BRZ has taken the WRX's spot as the most ticketed car in the US... Both? Yeah, probably both... the pure rear wheel drive... We're going to drift this thing."

The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that drives the rear wheels. People like it because it’s fun to drive and usually cheaper than many other performance cars, so more people can get into it.

Car

Subaru WRX

"...the Subaru BRZ has taken the WRX's spot... Do you see this more as an increase in the enthusiasm surrounding the BRZ or the fall of the popularity of the WRX?... Both? Yeah, probably both."

The Subaru WRX is a performance-focused compact sedan/wagon known for its rally heritage and typically all-wheel-drive traction. Here, the hosts discuss a perceived shift: WRX popularity/ticketing is falling while BRZ interest rises, and they contrast WRX owners’ behavior with BRZ owners’ more stunt-oriented use.

Concept

pure rear wheel drive

"You know, the, the BRZ people are, they like the, the pure rear wheel drive. Yeah. We're going to drift this thing."

“Rear-wheel drive” (RWD) means the engine sends power to the rear axle, which changes how the car accelerates and handles compared with front- or all-wheel drive. The hosts imply that RWD makes it easier and more appealing to do drifting and other stunt-style driving, which can influence how different car communities behave.

Car

Subaru STI

"I also think they've, they kind of, they stopped making the, the STI while ago. It's like the S version or whatever."

The Subaru STI is the high-performance “tuner” trim within the WRX family, historically associated with more hardcore driving and enthusiast modifications. The hosts say production of the STI stopped “while ago,” and they connect that to fewer tuner-friendly options and more people buying used BRZs instead.

Term

manual rear wheel drive car

"It's the cheapest you can get into a rear wheel drive car... That's a manual rear wheel drive car. And it has source that in Miata."

A manual transmission gives the driver direct control over gear selection, which many enthusiasts prefer for engagement and for managing traction during aggressive driving. Combined with rear-wheel drive, it can make the car feel more “involved” and can encourage drifting and other stunt-style behavior.

Car

Mazda MX-5 / Miata

"...That's a manual rear wheel drive car. And it has source that in Miata. Yeah. Exactly. So that is going to lead to shenanigans..."

The Mazda Miata (MX-5) is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster that’s long been a gateway car for enthusiasts who want simple, affordable fun. The hosts use it as a comparison point for the BRZ—both are positioned as entry-level ways to get into rear-wheel-drive driving and “shenanigans.”

Car

Range Rover Sport, SVR

"So for sure, Range Rover Sport, SVR, baby all day. I buy a full size Range Rover."

Land Rover makes the Range Rover Sport, and the SVR is the “hotter” version. It’s meant to feel quicker and more athletic than the regular models, even though it’s still a luxury SUV.

Car

full size Range Rover

"I buy a full size Range Rover. Yeah. Yeah. Because you don't have any evidence that the new ones are, you could, I would buy the cheapest full size Range Rover, which I got one as a press car. Yeah. It was 105,000 bucks."

They’re talking about the bigger Range Rover, the main luxury SUV. It’s usually very comfortable and feature-rich, but it can cost a lot to buy.

Car

Nissan Maxima

"Queershifting gears says, at our recent Lemons race in mid Ohio, our transmission got stuck in fourth gear in a 1996 Maxima."

They’re describing a Nissan Maxima from 1996 that wouldn’t shift correctly and got stuck in fourth gear. That kind of problem can make the car feel “stuck” and can change how fast it can go.

Topic

Lemons race in mid Ohio

"Queershifting gears says, at our recent Lemons race in mid Ohio, our transmission got stuck in fourth gear in a 1996 Maxima."

They’re talking about a fun endurance race series where people run cheap cars. Mid-Ohio is a real race track, and racing can expose problems that might not show up as clearly on the road.

Concept

stuck in fourth gear

"our transmission got stuck in fourth gear in a 1996 Maxima. Everyone on the team ended up running faster lap times by three to six seconds compared to their first day."

If a car is stuck in fourth gear, it can’t shift up or down normally. That can make the car act weird—sometimes slower, sometimes just harder to drive efficiently.

Concept

maintain momentum

"Maybe your drivers were just better when they could focus on their line and weren't shifting. Maybe they weren't blowing the tires off lower gears. Maybe they were just smoother. Yeah. All of those things. Yeah. How interesting. I've never had a car that broke and then we went faster. They probably focus on maintain momentum."

It means you try to keep the car rolling smoothly and fast instead of slowing down a lot and then punching the gas. If you don’t lose speed, you usually don’t have to work as hard to get back up to speed. That’s why “smooth” driving can actually be quicker.

Concept

smaller gas engines for emissions and global standards

"Christian says, can you explain how all car companies have to use smaller gas engines for emissions and global standards, but Ferrari will put a V12 in their SUV and Hummer said they're going back to gas and hybrid."

Car rules about pollution push companies to use smaller engines that burn less fuel. Even if the engine is smaller, manufacturers may use turbocharging or other tech to keep power up. The tradeoff is that the engine and driving strategy can feel different.

Concept

electric and hybrid powertrains

"Well, so the Hummer is ditching their electric comer? Well, or they're given a range. They're probably going to have an electric one and a hybrid one."

They’re talking about offering cars in more than one powertrain style—fully electric for some buyers and hybrid for others. A hybrid uses both a gas engine and an electric system, which can help with fuel economy and range. It’s a way to cover more situations.

Concept

EPA emissions credits / regulatory credits

"I don't think they have to do EPA the same or emissions. The super small ones like Ferrari kind of do. Ferrari is special because they're under another parent company Fiat. So Fiat does gets all of their numbers from the mass and then they let them have an allotment of like anything goes."

The hosts are talking about emissions rules and “credits” that car companies can earn. If you build cleaner cars (often hybrids), you may be able to meet requirements more easily across your lineup. That can influence what engines show up in future cars.

Car

Ferrari SF90

"They're the 296 is hybrid, the new 849 Testerosa, which replaces the SF90 is hybrid, the F80 is hybrid, there's going to be a hybrid version of the performance though, right?"

The Ferrari SF90 is a hybrid Ferrari supercar. It combines a gas engine with electric motors, so it can accelerate strongly while also meeting emissions rules. The hosts mention it because the next generation is described as replacing it.

Car

Ferrari 296

"Yeah, but also they do still have hybrid product. They're the 296 is hybrid, the new 849 Testerosa, which replaces the SF90 is hybrid, the F80 is hybrid,"

The Ferrari 296 is a hybrid Ferrari. It uses an electric motor to help the engine, so it can be faster and also meet emissions rules better than a pure gas car. The hosts are talking about how Ferrari uses hybrids to stay compliant.

Car

BMW M3

"...Testerosa, which replaces the SF90 is hybrid, the F80 is hybrid, there's going to be a hybrid version ..."

The BMW M3 is a sporty BMW that’s made to drive fast and handle well. It’s known as a performance model, not just a regular sedan. The podcast mentions it while talking about hybrid versions coming into the lineup.

Car

Cadillac CT5

"...g gallon. You know, not the CT4 or whatever. The CT5 is done. That's the only one left, right? Is the..."

The CT5 is a mid-size luxury sedan made by Cadillac. It’s the kind of car people buy for comfort and a nicer interior than a regular sedan. The podcast mentions it while talking about which CT models are still around.

Car

Cadillac CT4

"...eight miles of fucking gallon. You know, not the CT4 or whatever. The CT5 is done. That's the only one..."

The CT4 is a smaller luxury sedan made by Cadillac. It’s meant to offer a nicer interior and comfort than a basic car. The podcast mentions it while talking about which CT models are still available.

Car

BMW M5

"Yeah, but it's not all car company. GM is still making a manual black wing... It used to be like M5 in that, right? And then M5 went full hybrid, 5,000 pounds."

The BMW M5 is BMW’s performance sedan. The hosts are saying the latest M5 is now a hybrid, which adds weight, but it also helps it meet modern rules and still perform. They bring it up to explain how hybrid tech affects the car’s character.

Concept

Hybridization tradeoff: more weight vs performance gains

"And then M5 went full hybrid, 5,000 pounds. So now it's actually in a special place that nobody else is... You know what I mean? They get those little charges. They put little electric motors. So now it shaves like a third of a second off. It adds weight, but or they'll try to put the motor in there to like smooth, you know,"

Hybrid cars often get heavier because they add batteries and motors. But the electric motor can make the car feel quicker and smoother, especially when you accelerate. The hosts are saying that even with the extra weight, hybrids can still improve performance.

Term

plug-in hybrid

"So like the M5 hybrid, for instance, they really need to sell to people in like the UK. Yes. Where those plug-in hybrids are very advantageous to the standards that those things have."

A plug-in hybrid is a hybrid car you can charge by plugging it in. It can drive some distance on electricity alone, which can make it cheaper and cleaner to run. The hosts say some countries make plug-in hybrids more beneficial than others.

Car

Toyota Prius

"benchmark... take a canry, take a Prius, rip it apart, figure out what they did."

The Toyota Prius is a famous hybrid model. In this conversation, it’s used as an example of a hybrid that’s been proven in the real world.

Car

Mercedes-Benz CLK

"...h. Having had that poster, I'll have to go at the CLK. And I always just love seeing CLK GTR. So many ..."

The CLK is a Mercedes model line that’s typically a coupe or convertible. It’s a luxury car with a sporty look. The podcast brings it up because the speaker likes seeing CLK models.

Car

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

"I'll have to go at the CLK. And I always just love seeing CLK GTR."

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a very rare, track-bred supercar from Mercedes-Benz. The host likes it because it feels like a race car made special for the road.

Car

Nissan Gtr

"...go at the CLK. And I always just love seeing CLK GTR. So many letters. Yeah, exactly. I would like to,..."

The GT-R is a fast sports car made by Nissan. It’s designed to accelerate hard and handle well. The podcast brings it up because the speaker likes seeing it and talking about it.

Car

Ford Raptor

"to have the plate put on that T1 Raptor thing... which is Ford's Carbon Tum Dakar race vehicle. It's a truck. It's called Raptor, but it's not a Raptor."

The Ford Raptor is Ford’s off-road truck built for rough terrain. Here, they’re talking about a Dakar-style race vehicle that uses the “Raptor” name, but isn’t the regular truck you’d buy.

Car

F-150 Raptor

"... would like to, to have the plate put on that T1 Raptor thing that Zach and I got to have a go in, which ..."

The F-150 is a full-size pickup truck made by Ford. People use it for hauling, towing, and general driving needs. The podcast mentions it in connection with a “Raptor” style truck and a plan to put a plate on it.

Term

Coyote

"So it has a, it has a coyote. We got to ride in it."

“Coyote” is Ford’s name for a V8 engine used in some of their performance cars and trucks. The speaker is saying this off-road race vehicle uses that kind of Ford V8.

Car

Ford Mustang

"It's got a Mustang engine effectively in the middle and then it's carbon fiber."

They’re saying the truck uses an engine that’s basically related to the Ford Mustang’s engine. That’s a common racing approach: start with something proven, then build it for the race.

Part

carbon fiber

"It's got a Mustang engine effectively in the middle and then it's carbon fiber. Yeah. And so, you know, the wheels can."

Carbon fiber is a super-light material used in performance cars. Using it helps the vehicle feel more responsive and can improve how it handles rough terrain.

Part

eight into one exhaust

"And it's a eight into one exhaust, which makes it sound like a Formula One car. Dude, it sounds amazing."

This is an exhaust setup where several pipes combine into one. It can make the car sound more aggressive and “race-like.”

Term

tailgate mode

"do you think we'll ever see aftermarket ADAS tuning? I'd love a tailgate mode for left lane campers... What don't break for the kink is saying a custom programmable ADAS that would, for instance, tailgate people."

A “tailgate mode” in this context would be a driver-assistance configuration that allows closer following distances without triggering warnings or automatic interventions. The host’s idea is that left-lane campers could be dealt with more aggressively if the car’s safety logic were tuned for it.

Term

ADAS

"Didn't I say I see that? Oh, you did. Sorry... do you think we'll ever see aftermarket ADAS tuning? I'd love a tailgate mode for left lane campers."

ADAS means the car’s “help” systems, like staying in your lane or warning you about danger. The complaint is that they can sometimes get annoying or interfere with driving.

Concept

lane keep assist

"ADAS is like lane keep assist, all the safety assists that can get very intrusive and annoying."

Lane keep assist is the system that tries to keep you from drifting out of your lane. Sometimes it can feel annoying if you’re intentionally steering or driving in tricky conditions.

Company

Cobb tuning

"I think that in the future, there will be people like Cobb tuning and APR and these companies will have..."

Cobb Tuning is an aftermarket performance company known for engine management and tuning solutions, especially for enthusiast platforms. In the transcript, it’s used as an example of a company that could expand into configuring ADAS behavior the way it tunes for power.

Term

left lane camping

"left lane camping, you're being an asshole. So it's an asshole boat, right? Are you the asshole or are you trying to stop an asshole?"

It means someone keeps driving in the left lane even though they’re not passing anyone. The result is that other drivers can’t get by easily.

Term

flashing works better than tailgate

"flashing works better than tailgate. Yeah, even day. I'm leading these events across entire states and I have to be flashing people to move over all the time."

Flashing your headlights is a quick way to tell someone, “Hey, move over.” Tailgating is when you drive too close behind them, which usually makes things worse.

Topic

driving etiquette by region (Canada, Texas, Dallas)

"America is pretty bad about that where it's most of the world at Canada too. Yeah, where it's like, most of the world's like, Oh, I need to get out of the way. But here, people are like, fuck you. I'll do what I want. Like there's a little bit of that... Texas is pretty good. Dallas is a little annoying sometimes."

They’re talking about how driving habits differ depending on where you are. Some places are more polite about letting others pass, and some are not.

Concept

passing lane etiquette

"it's not really a left lane passing lane mentally for a lot of people. I just want to not drive behind other people. Yeah. And I'm going for over and that's as fast as anybody should ever be going."

It’s the rule-of-thumb that the left lane is for passing, not cruising. If people don’t follow that, everyone behind them gets stuck or has to squeeze around.

Topic

going racing next week

"We appreciate you guys. Zach and I are going racing. So we'll see you from the other side of that race next week. Peace out."

They say they’re going to a race soon and will talk about it afterward. They don’t mention the exact event details in this snippet.

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