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Jonny Lieberman

Jonny Lieberman

The Smoking Tire Sep 03, 2025 116 min
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About this episode

Jonny Lieberman joins the Smoking Tire crew to discuss a variety of automotive topics, including their experiences with the Roof Rodeo and SCR, and the pros and cons of buying new versus used EVs. The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as they conduct whiskey tasting experiments, comparing different char levels and aging processes. The episode is filled with anecdotes about unique cars, personal stories, and insights into the automotive industry, making it a fun listen for car enthusiasts.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Company

Singer

"...have you driven a singer classic? No. Okay, well, probably you also, Johnny, there's not a lot of people that have driven the singer."

Singer is a company that takes old Porsche 911 cars and makes them look and drive better, blending classic style with new technology.

Company

RUF

"...I've driven all three of the new roofs. All of the current singer offerings except turbo DLS...I have driven the coupe, whatever they're calling it, Speedster and turbo Gunther."

RUF is a company that makes super-fast versions of Porsche cars, adding special features that make them even better than the original models.

Term

naturally aspirated

"...I've driven the rough SCR. So the naturally aspirated, I've driven the rodeo."

Naturally aspirated means the engine gets air from the atmosphere without any extra help from turbochargers or superchargers. This can make the car feel more responsive when you press the gas pedal.

Car

Porsche

"...they're just geniuses that company. Like, like let's do an air cooled with a seven speed..."

Porsche is a famous car company that makes fast and stylish sports cars. They are well-known for their unique engine designs, especially in older models.

Term

air cooled

"...it's just like, they're just geniuses that company. Like, like let's do an air cooled with a seven speed. But you can put it in seventh gear at 30 miles an hour..."

Air-cooled means the engine stays cool by using air instead of water. It's a type of engine design that was popular in older cars, especially Porsches.

Term

all-wheel drive system

"But it's six hundred and 10 horsepower with a selectable all wheel drive system."

An all-wheel drive system helps all four wheels of a car get power, making it easier to drive on slippery roads or off-road. It improves grip and control.

Term

lift-off oversteer

"Because did you, did you experience the snap lift off oversteer. Yes, which I did. I then once I found it the first time I went, oh, I'm now going to do this over and over and over and over again."

Lift-off oversteer is when a car's back end slides out when you suddenly take your foot off the gas. It can happen in powerful cars and can be tricky to control.

Car

Porsche 930

"you've all grown up listening to how the 930 was the window maker because it had lift off oversteer."

The Porsche 930 is a classic model of the 911 that has a turbo engine. It's famous for being fast but can be tricky to handle, especially when you suddenly lift off the gas.

Term

stick shift

"...especially because it's stick shift, like when, when Zach drove it..."

A stick shift is a type of car transmission where you have to change gears yourself using a lever and a pedal. It can make driving more fun and gives you more control.

Car

Porsche 959

"up a nine five nine SC. Yeah, yeah, because now it's 815 horsepower. And it's, you know, shock technology from the 80s."

The Porsche 959 is a supercar from the late 1980s known for its speed and advanced features. It was one of the fastest cars of its time, with a powerful engine and all-wheel drive.

Car

Nissan Juke

"do you remember the Juke R? Yeah. So the Juke R kind of was like, like, short wheelbase, too much power and it kind of bubble around also the best car ever."

The Nissan Juke R is a sporty version of the Juke, which has a powerful engine from the GT-R. It has a unique look and was made in limited quantities, which makes it special.

Term

horsepower

"I think the first one was like 465 horsepower. And then the 2.0 horsepower. Yeah. Yeah."

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster and perform better.

Car

GMC Hummer EV

"...t, it was so fun. Yeah. And that's why, like, the Hummer EV to me is just, like, a joy ride, because I don't ..."

The GMC Hummer EV is a new electric truck that looks like the old Hummers but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's built for tough off-road driving and is part of the move towards more eco-friendly vehicles.

Car

Hummer EV

"that's why, like, the Hummer EV to me is just, like, a joy ride, because I don't know if you, I've told you this or you did it, but like at night, if you floor the Hummer EV..."

The Hummer EV is a new electric vehicle that combines the tough features of the original Hummer with modern electric technology. It's designed for off-road adventures and has unique driving modes.

Term

rear-wheel drive

"...rear-wheel drive is the good is a good mode. It's the only way to go is exceptional..."

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

Term

Audi baseball stitch

"...the giant stitching was, it's like a nod to Freeman Thomas. So Freeman, obviously, if since 2017, every roof has been designed by Freeman..."

The Audi baseball stitch is a special way of sewing that looks like the stitching on a baseball. It's used in Audi cars to make the interior look nicer.

Term

carbon fiber

"...the money is in the carbon fiber show that. It's so cool. It was so cool..."

Carbon fiber is a strong and light material used in cars to make them faster and more efficient. It's often found in the body and parts of high-end vehicles.

Car

Porsche 911 Turbo

"I drove that SCR a couple years ago that was at the quail. And it was I mean, first of all, it was just phenomenal. Is that oak green one? Just phenomenal to drive."

The Porsche 911 Turbo is a fast sports car that has a turbo engine, which helps it go really fast. It's part of the famous 911 family of cars that many people love.

Car

Bugatti Veyron

"...even the Bugatti people are like, is that a yellow bird? Yeah, Jamie's like, yeah, and then we're literally supposed to be talking about the..."

The Bugatti Veyron is a very fast and expensive sports car. It's famous for being one of the fastest cars in the world and is often seen as a symbol of luxury.

Car

Porsche Cayenne

"Did you guys love? I heard about a Porsche Cayenne prototype that has synthetic gears and EV prototype."

The Porsche Cayenne is a high-end SUV made by Porsche. It's known for being fast and luxurious, appealing to those who want both performance and space.

Car

Porsche Cayman

"...ne posted about it. It's a Cayenne, not a fucking Cayman. They're ahead of that. But somebody at Porsche i..."

The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car made by Porsche that is designed to be fun to drive. It's known for being well-balanced and powerful, making it a popular choice for people who love fast cars.

Porsche 550 Spyder
Car

Porsche 550 Spyder

"mimic the power to weight gear ratios, etc. of us 550 Spyder today. Yeah, because you know, I always can sound like you're always in six."

The Porsche 550 Spyder is an old sports car that was very light and fast. It's famous for being used in racing and is loved by car enthusiasts.

Car

Rivian

"I let him grab my Rivian. Yeah. And it was hysterical because he was bitching and moaning about like all the EV stuff..."

Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. Their vehicles are designed for people who love outdoor adventures and want to drive without using gas.

Car

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

"...we were disagreeing because I drove the Ioniq 5 N and I was..."

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a sporty version of Hyundai's electric SUV, designed for better performance and fun driving. It's part of Hyundai's N line, which focuses on performance cars.

Term

Ionic speakers

"But also you're, you're pumping it out of $45,000 Ionic speakers. So like, it's just kind of again, Porsche can wear my sound. The sound isn't great."

Ionic speakers are special speakers that create sound using electricity. They are known for making music sound really clear and detailed, which is why some expensive cars use them.

Term

torque

"Because it doesn't, I didn't go on the launch. I know because if you, if you're using the gears, it builds torque as if it's a gasoline car."

Torque is a way to measure how strong an engine is when it turns. It helps a car speed up and climb hills better.

Car

Cadillac Lyriq

"Is it bigger or smaller than a Lyriq? It's bigger."

The Cadillac Lyriq is another electric SUV from Cadillac. It's known for its stylish look and modern features.

Car

Cadillac XT6

"... a three row. Okay. It replaces the totally awful XT6, which maybe really that was a thing still, wasn'..."

The Cadillac XT6 is a spacious luxury SUV that can fit a lot of people and comes with many nice features. It's made for families who want a comfortable and stylish vehicle.

Term

powertrain

"And the powertrain was the worst part. It was like a soulless gutless 3.60."

The powertrain is the part of the car that makes it move. It includes the engine and the parts that help the engine send power to the wheels.

Term

EV

"...it does the EV thing when you need it..."

An EV is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are often quieter and can be better for the environment.

Car

Pininfarina Battista

"...the only electric sports car I've really ever driven was the Battista, the 2000 horsepower..."

The Pininfarina Battista is a very powerful electric car that can go really fast. It's designed to be a super fancy and high-performance vehicle.

Concept

Dolby Atmos

"...this has the first real physical implementation of Dolby Atmos. Uh-huh."

Dolby Atmos is a sound technology that makes music and movies sound more realistic by allowing sounds to come from all around you, not just from the front.

Car

Ford Bronco

"... A pillar. Yeah. It's horrible. But it's like the Bronco. Yes. But they did it for reasons that they put a..."

The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can handle rough terrains and is great for outdoor adventures. It's popular because it looks cool and can go almost anywhere, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

Car

Cadillac Escalade

"...ould get the Vistig. But you really do is get the escalade IQ because that's the dopest of all cars. I'm tel..."

The Cadillac Escalade is a fancy SUV that is very big and comfortable. It's known for having a lot of luxury features and is popular among people who want a stylish vehicle.

Concept

cars and coffee

"...it's actually going to be judged. Oh, really? With some prizes. We're going to have some some prizes that are pretty cool..."

Cars and coffee is a casual meet-up for car lovers to show off their cars and talk about them. It's a fun way to connect with other people who like cars.

Car

Singer Turbo DLS

"...they're going to be running some singer like turbo DLS is there's going to be some exhibition racing..."

Singer Turbo DLS is a special version of a Porsche 911 that has been upgraded to be faster and more powerful. It's designed to look classic while having modern features.

Car

Chevrolet Camaro

".... I'm like, remember when like every no one liked Camaro and I like the Camaro. Like you guys should give ..."

The Chevrolet Camaro is a fast and stylish car that many people love for its sporty look and powerful engine. It's a classic American car that has been around for a long time and is often seen racing or at car shows.

Car

Porsche 911

"Years ago. That's it. That's in that green thing. Oh, that's a my Kello's. And it's a Porsche. It's a it's a 72 9.11. Uh huh. This company in Escondito down San Diego. They are excellent at what they do. The problem is it's called McKellus. I drove the they made a bluebird. They literally made"

The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has a unique shape and is known for being very fast and fun to drive. It's been around for many years and is loved by car fans for its quality and performance.

Car

Porsche 911 GT3

"...in like it's like good. It's like it's like a 996 GT3 intake plenum. Yeah. There's all kinds of cool st..."

The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super-fast version of the 911 sports car, built for people who love racing and driving on tracks. It has special features that make it lighter and more powerful than regular 911s.

Car

Jaguar Dtype

"But, you know, like 10-manxes and a bunch of other random cars, some of which were incredibly cool, like an original Jaguar D-type and some other stuff like that. Sure, that rolled up. It was okay. Is there anything section of the D-type? That's the best. It really is the best."

The Jaguar D-Type is an old race car that was really successful in competitions back in the 1950s. It's famous for its cool design and is highly sought after by car collectors.

Car

Toyota Corolla

"...e channel. Driving this track. Um, we, we had the Corolla, the 25 versus my car, which is the 24. Yeah. But..."

The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people choose because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's a great option for everyday driving and is known for being easy to maintain.

Car

Mazda Miata

"...t you put like me or you in the passenger seat of Miata. And it really changes the car. Yeah. I just took..."

The Mazda Miata is a small, two-seat convertible sports car that is really fun to drive. It's light and nimble, making it a favorite for people who enjoy driving on winding roads.

Car

Ford F150

"luxury limit. But my pike suit is the, like it literally to tie my shoes, I had to put my foot on a, on a, a step of an F-150 and lean. And then jump off. And then, like I, I, I do practice session and my hips would hurt because it was so tight. It was so bad. No, loose suit is where it's at."

The Ford F-150 is a big truck that people use for work and fun. It's popular because it can carry heavy loads and is great for towing, making it a favorite among truck lovers.

Car

Lamborghini Diablos

"I like cars with disliked headlights. Good for you. Are there any other fun cars with generally disliked headlights? I should lust after. In Diablo's. People don't like Diablo's. The 300ZX headlights are turned off. They're great. I have, I doesn't bother me at all. Not only that, I just,"

The Lamborghini Diablo is a flashy sports car that many people dream of owning because it's super fast and looks amazing. It's known for being one of the coolest cars from the 90s.

Car

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

"... me. That's it. Okay. Yeah. Mine would be the 997 GT3 RS 4.0. Oh, oh, yeah. Yeah. 100%. That's thousand pe..."

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a super-fast version of the 911 sports car made for racing. It has special features to make it lighter and faster, making it really exciting to drive.

Car

Toyota Land Cruisers

"...ide like that, you know, where it's land, I mean, land cruisers is where you would do that. And even then, almost..."

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a fancy SUV that can go off-road and handle rough conditions. It's known for being very reliable and is great for people who like to explore outdoors.

Car

Porsche 356

"...it was $400,000. Yeah. Or if you have the Porsche 356 Carrera with the four cameras, if you just have a..."

The Porsche 356 is an old sports car that was one of the first cars made by Porsche. It's loved by collectors because of its unique style and history.

Car

Ford F-150 Raptor

"...e like real pre-runners here, like someone took a Raptor and it widened and it's got three chamber King sh..."

The Ford F-150 Raptor is a tough version of the F-150 truck made for driving on rough trails. It has special features that help it handle bumps and jumps better than regular trucks.

Car

Chevrolet Silverados

"...uthern California is the biggest market for Chevy Silverados in the country. Yeah, we have population. Souther..."

The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that many people use for work and everyday tasks. It's known for being strong and comfortable, making it a popular choice for truck buyers.

24 cars featured

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