Full Throttle Talk

Is Ferrari saving the manual transmission—or just creating an expensive illusion? This week on Full Throttle Talk, Blair Smith and Shinoo dive into Ferrari's controversial new simulated manual gearbox and debate whether modern sports cars are losing the emotional connection that made enthusiasts fall in love with driving. They also discuss: Ferrari's "manual" V12 Why analog sports cars keep skyrocketing in value Nearly $600,000 Porsche GT3 RS auction results The return of McLaren's original road car Building the ultimate two-car garage for $50K and $100K Which automaker is getting it right—and who's completely lost the plot Listener Question of the Week If you love sports cars, manual transmissions, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, or simply the joy of driving, this episode is for you. Subscribe, leave a review, and visit FullThrottleTalk.com for more automotive stories and the latest newsletter.

This week on Full Throttle Talk, Blair and Shinoo record in person from Southern California — and the episode goes from weird car news to full-blown driving obsession fast. Blair gets behind the wheel of the Dragon Spider, a 2,000-pound analog weapon with Corvette power and zero interest in being polite. Shinoo gives an update on the 996 RR, including the reactions from the PCA crowd, the bedliner front end, the wheel setup, and a surprise run through Ortega Highway. Then the guys dive into the latest headlines: the next Mazda Miata possibly becoming the last gas-powered Miata, Lamborghini’s hybrid Urus, Slate truck preorder drama, and the Corvette story that changes the value conversation completely — a base Stingray that can reportedly hit 200 MPH for around $74,000. From there, it’s auction madness: a manual F10 BMW M5 for $28,000, the real cost of owning old German performance cars, and an E46 M3 slicktop selling for serious money. Plus, Blair and Shinoo get into the 911 debate, but not like collectors comparing garage jewelry — they talk about which cars actually deliver the experience, the sound, the fear, and the feel. And finally: are car people too defensive when someone criticizes their car? Subscribe, buckle up, and get the newsletter at FullThrottleTalk.com

This week on Full Throttle Talk, Blair and Shinoo get into the real cost of chasing performance—and where the smart automotive buys may still be hiding. Blair compares a manual BMW 335 xDrive with an E90 M3 DCT in his search for a daily driver, while Shanu returns from the Hocking Hills Road Rally with thoughts on the Lotus Emira V6 versus the Turbo. They also break down Porsche’s simulated EV shifting, the ZR1X Corvette’s Pikes Peak run, Polestar’s uncertain U.S. future, the Slate EV truck, and the possibility of a Porsche 911 GT4 road car. Then it is time for auction watch: a low-mile 991.1 GT3, a surprisingly affordable $44K manual 911 Carrera, and a heavily optioned BMW M2 that became a lesson in depreciation. Finally, they react to Everyday Driver’s review of Blair’s 111RS Lotus Elise and answer a listener question: What is the most expensive automotive mistake you have made? Get out and drive your cars. Join the Full Throttle Talk newsletter for more car stories, buying debates, and enthusiast insights: fullthrottletalk.com

BMW's upcoming electric M3 has everyone talking—and it leads to a bigger question: are modern performance cars actually better than the classics? This week, the Full Throttle Talk crew discusses BMW's Neue Klasse M3, why older BMWs still make incredible daily drivers, the overlooked Jaguar F-Type, Ariel Atom market values, Formula 1, Lotus adventures, Callaway Cars, and the OEM wheels that changed automotive design. Whether you're into classic analog machines or the latest EV performance cars, this episode has something for every enthusiast. 📬 Stay connected between episodes by subscribing to the Full Throttle Talk newsletter: https://fullthrottletalk.com New articles, automotive stories, and exclusive content delivered directly to your inbox.

What separates a great driver’s car from just another fast car? Aerospace engineer Derek joins Blair and Shinoo for a fascinating discussion on the science of driver engagement. From fighter jets and flight controls to Miatas, Lotus sports cars, Toyotas, and EVs, the conversation explores why feedback, communication, and feel matter more than horsepower. Plus: Toyota’s commitment to combustion engines A possible new MR2 Caterham’s future Mustang Dark Horse vs Shelby Flying Miata Summer Camp Why some modern performance cars feel disconnected If you care about the emotional side of driving, this episode is for you.

Blair accidentally started a Porsche civil war. After last week's comments about the Porsche Cayman GT4's long gearing, the internet fired back. In this episode, Blair and Shinoo read the comments, respond to the criticism, and dive into a bigger conversation about what makes a great driver's car. Along the way, Blair test drives a C8 Stingray, C8 Z06, Audi E-Tron GT, GR86, Miata Club, BMW Z3M Roadster, and more while searching for a replacement daily driver. The result? Some surprising opinions about EVs, manual transmissions, and why the Corvette Z06 may be one of the best performance bargains on the market. They also discuss: Porsche GT4 gearing controversy Corvette Z06 vs Porsche GT3 debate Audi's stunning new Nuvolari concept Dodge's upcoming Hyper Muscle Car Lotus Emira 420 updates California's potential performance tire regulations Why flawed cars often create the best driving experiences Is the Corvette Z06 really better than cars costing significantly more? And are enthusiasts too loyal to brands? Listen and decide for yourself. 📰 Join the Full Throttle Talk Newsletter:FullThrottleTalk.com Get exclusive automotive content, car buying insights, industry news, and stories we don't always share on the podcast.

Ferrari just revealed the Luce, its first EV, and the reaction was not exactly quiet. Blair and Shinoo break down why the design, price point, and Ferrari badge have created so much controversy — and whether this is a bold move or a massive miss. They also cover the new Lotus Emira 420, the reality of softening new car sales, Shinoo’s latest shop updates, including the supercharged Corvette E-Ray and 996RR progress, plus a deep dive into what it was really like taking the BAC Mono and Drakan Spyder to Jay Leno’s Garage. And in this week’s “This or That,” the guys ask the obvious question: if you had around $750,000 to spend, would you really buy Ferrari’s EV… or build a much better garage? Topics include: Ferrari Luce EV reaction Lotus Emira 420 Porsche 996RR updates Supercharged Corvette E-Ray Jay Leno’s Garage behind the scenes BAC Mono and Drakan Spyder New car sales slowdown Ferrari 296, 458, 812 Superfast, Taycan Cross Turismo, Tesla Model X The problem with expensive EVs For more car talk, market takes, and stories from inside the enthusiast world, subscribe to the Full Throttle Talk newsletter at fullthrottletalk.com.

BMW may have finally built a modern enthusiast car worth caring about. In this episode, the Full Throttle Talk crew breaks down the new manual-only rear-wheel-drive BMW M3 CS, why modern sports cars feel increasingly disconnected, and how manufacturers may finally be waking up to what drivers actually want. They also debate the Porsche GT4 gearing controversy, Audi R8 vs Lamborghini Gallardo, Nissan’s surprisingly good new Z NISMO, analog GT3 race cars, and why race cars rarely make good road cars. Plus plenty of real-world shop stories, driving impressions, and enthusiast chaos along the way. Subscribe to the newsletter: fullthrottletalk.com

This week on Full Throttle Talk, Blair Smith and Shinoo Mapleton go deep into Porsche’s most exclusive world: VIP customers, Special Wishes, Sonderwunsch builds, Paint to Sample, and one-off factory projects. The episode also covers the Singer Turbo Study, why some high-end restomods barely get driven, the risks of shipping valuable cars, Lotus’ return to ICE and hybrid powertrains, and why the future of enthusiast cars may be less about horsepower — and more about feel. Guest Derek joins the show to share his story from wrenching on an MGB as a kid to helping shape some truly wild Porsche builds, including a Dakar, ST, 918 recommissioning project, and more. Subscribe to the Full Throttle Talk newsletter: fullthrottletalk.com

This week on Full Throttle Talk, Blair and Shinoo dive into one of the biggest enthusiast stories of the year: Formula 1 moving back toward V8 engines. The guys also debate the rising hype around Porsche 964 values, compare the driving experience of a Lotus Elise 111R vs a real 964 RS, discuss Nürburgring record runs from Volkswagen and Zinger, and break down why lightweight sports cars still deliver the most emotional driving experience. Other topics include: Future ICE engine development from Lotus, Renault & Geely Ferrari 308 GT4 vs Acura NSX vs Porsche 964 Everyday Driver Elise comparison shoot Corvette C8 track-day consumable costs When it’s finally time to sell a car you love Subscribe to the Full Throttle Talk newsletter for behind-the-scenes stories, driving impressions, and enthusiast content: fullthrottletalk.com

The automotive world is changing faster than most people realize — and not all of it is good for drivers. In this episode of Full Throttle Talk, we break down what’s really happening behind the scenes: • Why naturally aspirated engines may be disappearing • How government regulations are reshaping the industry • Why new cars are now averaging $50,000+ • The growing influence of China on global car production • And what all of this means for enthusiasts We also get into real-world driving experiences, underrated cars, and why analog driving might be more valuable than ever. If you care about where cars are heading — and what’s worth buying now — this episode is for you. 👉 More content: fullthrottletalk.com

Blair Smith and Shinoo Mapleton tackle one of the best enthusiast debates: is it more fun to drive a slow car fast or a fast car slow? After Blair spends time in a 992.2 GT3 and Shinoo pushes a Miata through technical canyon roads, they compare modern speed, refinement, NVH, driver involvement, and why some cars feel thrilling while others feel too isolated. They also cover manual transmission take rates, Ferrari’s expensive EV plans, Morgan’s new Super Sport 400, and a few “overrated” cars that might upset Porsche, BMW, and GT-R fans.

This week on Full Throttle Talk, we break down one of the biggest weeks in automotive news. Porsche has officially unveiled the GT3SC, raising questions about what defines a true GT3. At the same time, Ford’s Mustang GTD is putting down blistering Nürburgring lap times, outperforming expectations and shaking up the performance hierarchy. We also explore a deeper question: are we living in the peak era of performance cars—or watching the beginning of the end? In this episode: Porsche GT3SC: Brilliant or unnecessary? Mustang GTD vs Corvette ZR1X: What really matters—power or engineering? BMW’s next generation strategy and the future of enthusiast cars The uncomfortable truth about manual transmissions disappearing “Ugly but lovable” cars that still win enthusiasts over Plus, we answer a listener question about whether the shift away from manuals is driven by data—or a misunderstanding of today’s buyers. If you care about driving, this episode is for you.

This episode of Full Throttle Talk dives into everything that makes car culture addictive—from cutting-edge innovation to the analog machines that shaped us. We kick things off with a real-world EV-swapped DeLorean experience and why conversions like this might be the future of classic cars. Then, big news: a new partnership with Callaway Cars—one of the most iconic performance brands in Corvette history. From there, we debate some of the hottest topics in the automotive world: Are manual transmissions really disappearing—or making a comeback? Is a Porsche GT3 Cabriolet a brilliant idea… or completely missing the point? Why the Camaro’s return could reshape the American performance market And in one of our favorite segments yet, we break down the cars and driving experiences that truly made us car enthusiasts—from Porsche 911s to Lotus, BMW classics, and beyond. If you love cars, driving, and the stories behind both—this episode is for you.

What happens when you take a C8 Z06 on track, compare it to a Porsche GT4, and break down the best cars for track driving at every budget? In this episode of Full Throttle Talk, Blair and Shinu go deep into real-world driving experiences—from Spring Mountain Raceway to canyon runs—plus the latest performance car news and Nürburgring lap time debates. 🔥 In this episode: First-hand experience driving the C8 Z06 on track Why modern performance cars are getting too fast Porsche GT4 canyon drive: precision vs feel The truth about track vs street car performance Nürburgring controversy: race cars vs production cars Best track cars by budget: Why driver skill still beats horsepower (humbling track story included) 💡 Whether you're a weekend canyon driver or thinking about your first track day, this episode breaks down what actually matters—and what doesn’t. 🎧 Listen / Watch Full Episodes: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify 📩 Get the Full Throttle Talk Newsletter: 👉 FullThrottleTalk.com

What really happens when you take your car to the track for the first time? In this episode of Full Throttle Talk, the team shares real-world experiences from a recent track day, including a Lotus Elise pushing its limits and a C8 Z06 going off track early in the session. They break down what drivers often underestimate, why lightweight cars can outperform high-horsepower machines, and how real track driving differs from simulation. The conversation also covers Porsche’s new “manual feel” technology, Corvette Grand Sport updates, and the growing appeal of analog driving experiences in an increasingly digital world. For more episodes, insights, and exclusive automotive content: 👉 FullThrottleTalk.com

This week on Full Throttle Talk, the original agenda gets scrapped in favor of two stories everyone seems to be talking about: the Montana plate crackdown and whether Porsche GT pricing has become artificially inflated. The team breaks down what’s real, what’s hype, and why both stories matter to enthusiasts and buyers right now. They also cover: Lotus Elise 111R vs. Porsche 964 RS Corvette Z06 market talk and Callaway Tesla Cybercab and the future of autonomous transport Ferrari 296 warranty and value Alpine’s new chassis AC Schnitzer shutting down Toyota Celica rumors and the shrinking sports car market For more enthusiast deep dives, subscribe to the newsletter:https://fullthrottletalk.com

This week on Full Throttle Talk, Tim Harris, Blair Smith, and Shinoo Mapleton dive into one of the most fun debates we've had yet. If you had just $20,000 to buy one car that must serve as your daily driver AND your fun car, what would you choose? There are rules. No EVs. It has to be your only car. And occasionally you need to haul around your 230-lb Great Mastiff named Matt. Good luck with that. But before we get there, we tackle some major automotive news — including rumors that GM may be preparing an American hypercar capable of 1,300–1,400 horsepower. If the speculation proves true, Corvette could soon be competing directly with the Ferrari F80, McLaren W1, and Lamborghini Revuelto. Yes… really. We also look at a strange automotive mystery: Why didn’t more people buy the Lexus LC500? It’s beautiful, sounds incredible, and was often $100,000 cheaper than a Porsche 911, yet the market largely ignored it. Plus: • What we each did in cars this week • The cars quietly dying by 2027 • The best enthusiast cars under $20k • Listener questions and commentary If you love cars, car culture, and the business of enthusiasm, this is the show for you. Buckle up. Don’t just listen — stay ahead of the conversation. 👉 Get the best insights, debates, and behind-the-scenes takes delivered straight to you:Subscribe now at FullThrottleTalk.com

This week on Full Throttle Talk, the crew dives into one of the most debated questions in the automotive world: Are electric vehicles actually the future… or the biggest scam ever pushed on car enthusiasts? We break down the economics, the narratives, and what the shift toward EVs really means for people who love driving. But that’s only the beginning. We also discuss why legendary Porsche collector Magnus Walker is selling part of his collection — and whether this signals a broader shift happening in the collector car market. This Episode Covers: What We Did In Cars This Week Blair spent the weekend with a Kei van… and ended up buying one. He also drove a Ford Shelby GT500, proving once again that the best automotive experiences are often the most unexpected ones. Automotive News We discuss several developments shaking up the industry: • The disappearance of the controversial start/stop button • Plans for Caterham to expand in the United States • Early looks at the fully electric Volkswagen Golf Mk9 And the bigger question behind it all: What happens to driving culture if everything becomes electric? It’s Time To Sell Your Car — Now What? Eventually every enthusiast faces the same decision: How do you sell a car the right way? We break down the real pros and cons of: • Consignment • Wholesale to a dealer • Selling privately • Online auctions like Bring a Trailer Including the hidden costs, misaligned incentives, and why some cars should never go to consignment. This or That — Lotus Edition We debate some Lotus models that could become the next collector breakouts. Tim compares: • Lotus Elise 340R vs • Lotus Exige S 260 Blair looks at: • Lotus Esprit S4 vs • Lotus Elan S4 Which of these could quietly become the next big collector cars? Listener Question: The $300K Porsche Dilemma A listener secured an allocation for a Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, but rising prices and tariffs are pushing the cost toward $300,000. The dilemma: Buy the GT3 Touring… or buy a Carrera T, modify it, and keep six figures in the bank? We break down the psychology of enthusiast purchases, regret math, and how to think about high-end car decisions. If you love: • Analog sports cars • Collector car market insights • Honest enthusiast conversations • And smart automotive ownership decisions This episode is for you. Subscribe to Full Throttle Talk and join the conversation. 🚗🔥

This week on Full Throttle Talk, the crew dives into one of the biggest debates in modern enthusiast cars: Has Porsche lost its way? But first — things get wild. Tim straps into the Blue Shock Race X5 kart, a machine built on a Tony Kart chassis producing 44 horsepower with four-wheel disc brakes. It’s closer to a race car than a kart… and it’s completely unhinged. Then the conversation shifts to the biggest developments shaking the enthusiast car world: • Ferrari changes the rules again with the 296 Speciale and rumored 296 CS • The Corvette ZR1X performance numbers are emerging — and they’re borderline unbelievable • BMW may add rear-biased AWD to the M2, raising questions about the future of driver-focused cars And then we tackle the question enthusiasts everywhere are starting to ask: Has Porsche lost its way? With 20+ variants of the 911, escalating prices, and GT engines drifting further from their motorsport roots, we debate whether Porsche is still at the top of the enthusiast world… or slowly moving away from what made the brand legendary. We close with one of our favorite segments: This or That — Your Forever Sports Car Rules: • Under $250k MSRP • Built within the last 20 years • Your spouse must be willing to drive it coast-to-coast Matchups include: • 718 Spyder RS vs Ferrari 458 Spider • GT3 Touring vs Lotus Emira V6 • 993 Carrera S vs Ferrari 355 + BMW E36 M3 If you could only choose one sports car for the rest of your life, what would it be? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and join the Full Throttle Talk newsletter for behind-the-scenes updates and exclusive content: https://fullthrottletalk.com