GR Corolla Probs; "Secret" Roads; GX 550 Review; Macan EV; Q&A- TST Podcast

Matt Farah and Zack Klapman are back to review the 2024 Lexus GX550 and 2024 Macan Electric Turbo; investigate the GR Corolla's alleged differential issues; discuss why its silly to try keeping a road "secret"; hot swap battery tech might not be dead; and answer Patreon questions including:
- Will a V10 M5 lose its allure and is it a good canyon car?
- Which country made the best cars in each decade?
- Is the 981 Cayman S close in feel to the newer, more expensive GTS?
- Why did Ferrari sue individual owners?
- Did we always think the Ferrari F50 was cool?
- Car sounds on vinyl?
- And more!
Recorded June 5, 2024
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[@narumis]

00:00 - teaser 01:45 - intro 02:20 - “secret” roads divulgence and gate keeping cold open 13:15 - listing a client car and dealing with $200k+ of service records 15:35 - BRZ vs GR Corolla video low numbers puzzle 26:42 - comments dumping on GR Corolla for overheating diff 38:10 - shooting Lexus GX 550 Overland video and getting stopped by park police 55:27 - Zack and the Macan EV 1:02:24 - hot-swappable EV batteries update Patreon questions: 1:04:50 - can you list what country made the best car by decade back to the ‘60s? 1:09:24 - would you consider a limited edition run of Notice Canyon’s colab with the dial artist? 1:09:32 - how close does a well-spec’d 981 Cayman S get to the driving experience of the GTS 4.0? 1:10:14 - can you think of any music videos with good cars in them? 1:12:22 - there seems to be a lot of misinformation on Ferrari sending cease-and-desists to people modifying their cars, can you give us info on what actually causes a Ferrari cease-and-desist? 1:16:56 - I’m narrowing down options for a dd and landed on a 2015 Civic si, and went back to watch some of your old reviews and noticed you were wearing *that* helmet 1:17:31 - most and least favorite Indy 500 pace cars? (Will be held for future podcast expanded topic) 1:17:45 - was the Ferrari F50 always cool in your mind? 1:18:40 - do the cabriolet and targa versions of air cooled 911s have noticeable flex compared to the coupes? Coupes are out of my budget 1:20:25 - I want to buy the GX 550 Overland but mainly for looks, have a highway commute in TX (cut off but assuming “does this make sense?” as Matt believes he answered it with earlier discussion) 1:20:45 - I make vinyl records for a living; do you think people would buy ones with car sounds? 1:21:00 - watch dial question: so far I’ve got black, green, pink, red, gray, and cyan; what else should I go for? 1:21:30 - manufacturers are pushing for EVs and hybrids which have less emissions and look good on paper but if car companies push consumers to buy a new EV every ten years or so instead of trying to innovate battery replacement tech doesn’t that negate any positives of reduced emissions? 1:25:55 - looking for a spicy weekend fun car; need a back seat, $50k budget, manual preferred, thinking previous gen M2, 1LE Camaro, thoughts? 1:27:32 - is the E60 M5 enough of a special experience for a weekend/roadtrip/mild-back-roads car in NorCal for more than a year? 1:30:42 - outro

[@Dalamain]

you da man! thx bro!

[@Beardman770]

Thanks! They should pay you!

[@intotheabyss9502]

Much appreciated 🤲🏾🫶🏾

[@614mostfinest]

You're the goat

[@Mister_Typo]

I'm speaking out of turn because honestly I have personally fell off the "automotive KZbin content" watchery. That's for almost all channels - mostly just podcasts for me now. However, I've always noticed that content creators are less stressed, happier and seem to do better when they really say "fuck it, I'm going to just make content I want" I think that could be a good place - if the algorithm is failing you anyways, it's lower risk. I love your guys' content, and I'd love to see it come from passion more than "what the fuck is KZbin wanting" Just my 2 cents, hope you guys are having a good Thursday!

[@samsung5]

It's a business, just saying "I'll do whatever, no matter how unpopular" isn't a viable strategy when it's your livelihood.

[@Mister_Typo]

​@@samsung5Matt has several other endeavors - he is already maxing out the second WCCS location. I'm sure that they are worried about the finances, but I doubt this would negatively impact his numbers that much.

[@deathcab4booty]

@@Mister_Typozack is also part of the team and his income is dependent on the main channel and podcast as well

[@fraserwright9482]

I also think not reading the comments is a bad business practice. If you can't do it yourself, get someone else to do it for you. I agree, they don't need to be pumping out garbage for the sake of it. Many other KZbin channels have erratic schedules, holidays and it works. But to be honest I think the ship has sailed with this as they pissed off a bunch of customers for personal reasons and now doesn't understand why they are getting 25k views when they used to get 250k? I genuinely think Matt is being honest when he doesn't understand why as he never paid attention to it or misunderstood professional issues with personal ones so is now aiming at what he thinks you want.

[@romeropostali520]

Stopped watching auto review channels also. All the car reviews just look like a sales funnel for the manufacturers. Almost all the reviews are BS. I know Matt and Zach focused on doing honest reviews, and that’s appreciated but the rest of the channels….Anything to get views, subscribers, appease the manufacturers and get more cars to review and make $$. Forget it.

[@Accost2u]

I can definitely say that as someone who really looked at buying a BRZ / GR86, it’s very clear that Subaru doesn't give a toss about about selling it and only makes them essentially to order with limited allocations per dealer. While the GR86 can’t be special ordered, Toyota dealers have 10x the inventory (especially if you want an AUTO).

[@ryanr482]

Just searched my metro area and there are 0 brz and several gr86 on lots or incoming

[@claytonblair11]

different here in Vancouver Canada, lots of BRZ on dealer lots and for GR86 you have to order it

[@redlion145]

When I bought my BRZ in 2019, the difference in availability was because of pricing and trim differences between the twins. Toyota wanted more money for the same features compared to Subaru, in my case that was specifically the Brembos. Subaru just had the better priced, better optioned version back then. They're onto a new generation now, so I don't know that that carried over, but I wouldn't be surprised if it affected sales. Or it could be as Zack said, and Toyota just have a much, much bigger marketing budget. Also, IIRC (and don't burn me alive if I'm remembering incorrectly, it's been a while since I read this) the manufacturing line is biased something like 60/40 or 65/35 in favor of Toyotas, even though they're produced at Gunma (a Subaru facility). So from a production standpoint, there are more Toyotas produced (and thus available for sale).

[@kylem324]

Plus, as a customer, and someone that has owned Subarus and used their dealer network… I’d rather deal with Toyota.

[@criordan5437]

Thomas and James from Throttle House personalities get them the views. They are great.

[@stevemartegani]

Don't forget the comedic bits. Those intros get tons of views alone.

[@Th3_Genius]

Hey Matt & Zack. Here's a consumers perspective on why your channel might not be getting the traction you think it should. In all honesty, I pretty much exclusively listen to your podcasts. Why? Because I like the topics, like the setting, like the hosts and like the occasional guests. Regarding your main review channel, I think doing more collaborations with big name KZbinrs or up and comers would go a far way. Telling us how the cars feel to drive and their amenities isn't enough anymore. Consumers can get that anywhere. Perhaps from channels that are more comprehensive/exciting. Just my 2 cents on the matter. Love both of yall. Chin up! You got this.

[@mornadu]

Im going to be brutally honest. Having watched probably 90% of your videos in the last 10 years. My brain shuts off when the camera is inside the cabin focused on the presenter and yapping about stats. I much prefer a forward cam, or a two cam setup at the very least, and the video feeling personal and honest instead of it being scripted. Thats typically what I enjoy about Harrys garage vids for example. I strongly believe you could gain alot from adapting his transitions and camera positions. It keeps me engaged somehow.

[@Anouyz]

You make a good point about dual cams here. cause all the driving podcasts with in cabin and a pov cam are very engaging.

[@AproposAndy]

I think there's a gap forming where the touch and go youtube content is getting eaten up by reels and shorts. Podcasts and high production videos still hold my attention on those occasions where I finally have the time in the week to sit down and pay attention for a good 20+ minutes.

[@mattkrazit6414]

Hadn't watched the GR Corolla/BRZ video yet. Honestly, talking it up on the podcast typically shoots me over to watch it. Didn't know there was track comparo included from the thumbnail or video description.

[@dillonhoffman9178]

I enjoyed the BRZ vid. I thought Zach did one of the better jobs in explaining the difference in feel of the upgraded shocks the tS had compared to the other videos out there.

[@MattJelonek]

The Corolla and BRZ video was really great, the guys did well and presented very professionally.

[@KrazC]

The algorithm is messing up your videos. I'm subscribed and check on you guys weekly, with no notification, and that GR Corolla vs BRZ video took a couple of days to pop-up in my feed. I think it showed up like 2 days ago after being out since like last week.

[@Bob_Smith19]

This has been an issue w/ KZbin forever. I routinely have to scroll back days because videos don’t populate in subscription feeds when they’re released. Best case is it shows up w/in hours. Worse case is days/weeks/never.

[@thedarkenergist]

Yup. The other day they were wondering why the Doug episode of the podcast had so many views? Well, for one, KZbin autoplays that video if I let it just go and leave the room. I'm talking like for the past month, if I'm watching a TST review, get up to do something for 10 mins and come back and the video is over, the Doug podcast is playing. I watched it when it came out, I don't need to see it every other day.

[@tomboconklin]

Hey Matt and Zach! My unasked for opinion on video views: When it was the old One Take videos it was a chance for us to envision ourselves getting a review of our project car by a real journalist. It became aspirational to see a “celebrity” treating viewer cars like a Road & Track review. It was, for lack of a better term, a “fantasy” for the viewer. It’s less about the car, and more about the fact it’s a viewer owned car. This is only my personal opinion so take it with a grain of salt. P.S I have listened to every single podcast going back 10 years or more. Love you guys!

[@Nick22257]

I have so many questions for Jim as an s550 owner but honestly ive already lost hope in him. The coyote is currently swinging with the some of the baddest motors on the planet for street car drag racing, but they have only made it increasingly more difficult to do this with mustangs from 2020+. Now years later the gt500 is still handicapped by lack of transmission tuning, and s650 is not only zero steps forward but also has a locked up ecu. Yet you can buy an m240i or a90 that you could build to run 7s immediately. It really is a shame.

[@YardmanCJ]

That Meat Ragu recipe has been my go to for years! Those Italian grandmas can cook.

[@andrewdavid6054]

I think that was a little unfair on American cars, in the 2010s all US carmakers really upped their game significantly 🇺🇸

[@kylem324]

Zack and Matt - I’m just going to speak from my POV as a target viewer and my own viewer behaviour and how it’s changed over the years. Hopefully it’s helpful as you ponder how to make content on KZbin. I’ll write some comments while listening. I’ve been watching for over a decade. Including Drive and Drive plus. I’ve also subscribed to a lot of your friendly competitors over the years. I used to watch a lot of reviews. I don’t anymore. FWIW, it tends to be your review more than others that I’ll click on. But on the whole I just don’t care about most new vehicles to the point where I’ll willing give up dozens of minutes of my life to learn about them. A few minutes? Maybe. I used to read all the magazines. I don’t anymore unless I grab something for a flight. Maybe it’s just that stage of life (similar demo to you) that I generally have a disinterest in most of the new stuff. And don’t care about keeping up with the joneses. But I like EVs, PHEVs, ADAS, and all the other things that define new cars… it’s just that everything is more homogeneous now. Toasters with CarPlay. Just really fast toasters. And most are pretty good at that. I think you’ve commented that 3K lbs and 400whp is the right equation. Most new stuff misses that equation. Even the current Ferrari and McLaren models. They’re fast and it’s amazing what they can do from an engineering pov… but I just don’t find them exciting. As a car owner, I can’t think of many new cars that I’d rather have than something that already exists. Like an evo9 over the GR Corolla. I think I’d rather own an LS430 or Kei truck than most new stuff. I’m still highly interested in car content, but it’s changed. My interest is more along the lines of stories involving cars. So whether that’s a story arc about a car and an associated adventure, or the story that a car tells. Or working on cars. I think you can see some parallels in what’s happened in auto print media. On KZbin, the people I think are doing it well are Jonny Smith, Harry Metcalfe, and Auto Alex. So what stories can you tell that would be personally interesting to you? It seems across medium and interest, if you can tell a good story, that’s a recipe for success. Hopefully that’s helpful. Sorry I wrote so much. Hopefully you’re reading this in your downtime while you’re sitting in the BMW parts department waiting for parts for the E46 and have nothing better to do! /notifications are off

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

To Zach's point at the top of the show, during a tour of Joshua Tree National Park, we were told that it was thanks to social media that visitors to this amazing place took a significant jump.

[@MichaelM-zk7lc]

GR as a daily, it is awesome, so good as a fun get around town car, better than any hatch I have owned and manual handbrake makes ownership great for minor adjustments in the garage. You either love or hate hatchbacks. It is not my dream car, but it is a very fun A to B experience. In town, stoplight to stoplight, doesn’t really get better. Toyota did a great job IMO

[@LD.cardosedaily]

Speaking on the BRZ/GR86 comment. I remember back in February at a local auto show. There was a line to sit in the 86 and maybe 3 people at the BRZ.

[@bryantbarton2129]

I love the smoking tire and have listened on spotify for a LONG time. But as a younger listener (24) I do find myself interested in Vins style of content. I like to see the laid back window into the everyday life with these cars he provides. I feel like you guys would have an elite advantage on this type of content with all the press cars you guys could showcase. showing the day to fay interaction with these cars is more interesting than a straight up review in my little unimportant opinion

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

When comparing to others, I think it's worth noting that Throttle House has almost exactly 5 times as many subscribers as The Smoking Tire. So, in a way it's not a big mystery to me that their BRZts video pulled in...checks math...6.75 times as many views. I really enjoyed the TST video myself, and hope you guys can afford to make what you consider quality content regardless of algorithm woes.

[@keithrobertson2401]

As an avid watcher and fan of this podcasts and nearly all your content. I consume a lot of it. It does appear that you boys have boxed yourself into either talking/interviewing inside your studio or reviewing filming new(newer) press cars. While this is fantastic content I do think it lacks a bit of excitement and energy many of your peers bring by being out in the world, going to cars and coffees, rally life or visiting other KZbinrs garages and what they have going on and really bringing the viewer into the fantastic car scene that is Southern California and why more then just the sun and beach’s make that area so special. Maybe you have zero interest in expanding the content you make but it certainly doesn’t help drive new viewers and continue to keep the old ones if you don’t bring something new and original in a world full of c content creators chasing the algorithm. I have no doubt that either of you would bring a unique and interesting perspective to a lot of the car enthusiasts stuff going on around you on the daily. Just be yourselves and try new stuff, you figure something that works. I’ll be here watching.

[@AaronAverett]

I think the problem with the Corolla/BRZ video was that it was largely about track use. I enjoyed it because I enjoy Matt and Zack, but I just don't have the time or energy or inclination to do track days, so I don't see that as useful consumer advice. Also, and maybe this is unique to me, my perception of all desirable current Toyotas is that they're going to be marked up so heavily, with zero chance of getting to even sit in one before committing to buy it, that I'd never even consider buying one. I watched anyway, but I didn't find myself super excited about either one, since I've mentally written both of them off as basically unobtanium.

[@Superfly816]

The diff and cost to truly unlock the ecu are what I’m not shopping for a rolla yet

[@Zanone_]

I love and watch all the new stuff you guys put out and the pod. I don’t necessarily miss what I’m about to say, but i do just have this gut feeling. But i feel like the situation here of what the average viewer wants is something you guys probably don’t want to do - reviewing other people’s cars. I’d be curious to see if those popped off

[@Zanone_]

And to expound further …..you’re sitting in the adult coolest matchbox case - it would be so cool to see what is in it showcased. I understand if you guys don’t want to go back to that - just a perspective from someone who’s been here since like the 2012 ish times

[@Destoryer2765]

Ah I was surprised that you didn’t overheat the diff in the gr video. But it is a good point that it is driver dependent

[@fatabe1]

Can you ask Jim what is his strategy this year to keep ford as the most recalled auto maker fourth year in a row?

[@josephkelly4893]

The GR video was one of your best, I think continue making what you like, and people will continue to watch. I think the issue is the KZbin automotive space is saturated, especially reviews, maybe start doing videos on what sets you apart from the rest?

[@TranceF0rmation]

I liked the brz video. Feel like I saw like 4 other BRZ/86 GR Corolla videos or affordable car videos come out very recently too so that could be it. tbh I watch all the podcasts and only watch some of the main videos but the last 3 since the cybertruck video felt like a step up and have been some of my favorites

[@fraoho]

Long term subscriber (and notifications ON) here and absolute love nearly all the content you put out, but since months I simply don't see your videos showing up in my feed anymore... once I week I manually go to your channel and watch all the new videos. Don't give in, the algorithm will change in your favor again, one day.

[@99Cv]

Is that a white aged/stenciled Casioak I see Zack rockin? Good stuff!

[@fyaglidere]

I started watching when you first reviewed some guys jank Volvo S60 and I was in my late teens at the time. I'm an adult with a 9-5 and a wife now. Watching car reviews aren't my thing anymore because my focus has shifted but your podcasts are my go to because they offer a more general experience imo. I still watch like 3/5 of your reviews and am subscribed but I'm not hunting them on release. I enjoy your reviews exclusively though because I feel you do so well at sharing and describing the experience/feel so well without using a thesaurus of words for no reason. Your words to me have more intent and because I've followed for long enough I can understand what you mean. I think, at least some of your crowd is on the same boat as me since so much time has passed but you have the numbers to verify.

[@KN-jw7ts]

The GRC clutch pack overheating comments mostly come from losers that have zero experience with the car but heard about it somewhere and continuously regurgitate it…..acting like they know something. I noticed a similar phenomenon with the first gen Audi r8, and a frame cracking issue that was such an isolated occurrence…..but would be mentioned in comment sections associated to the car over and over again. I’m sure continuous hard usage on a track will over heat them, but reality will be that 99% of owners will have zero issue…..the people that continue to comment just want something to cry about and make themselves feel better about the shitbox they drive.

[@Superfly816]

The cars capable like a focus rs is “capable” … It’s noooot good company to keep lol

[@acx2035]

to not give the 2010 decade to America is a crime, the rest i can agree with. But in the teens we had GT350R, GT500, hellcats of all types, C6 ZR1, C7 Z06 and ZR1, overall return of the Camaro in 2010, Camaro Z28 and ZL1, Viper ACR (fastest manual in the world around the ring) and other cars like Focus RS, Raptor 6.2/3.5, TRX

[@bionaraq]

Honestly, the algorithm likes steady constant videos of a similar style. When you change it throws the algorithm off. and you guys have been changing it feels constantly for the last several years. Nearly 50% of your original subscribers came for One Takes. Then it changed to Zack's one takes, then etc... The Algorithm wants to label you, put it in a box and not adjust again. It takes several videos to update to match the new style. I listen to 10x the podcasts (on youtube) than I do your TST videos nowadays, the content is fantastic on the podcasts. In the past, I loved the onetakes (both presenters) and really really enjoyed the ride-alongs on porsches from years past. Separating the podcast/show was a great idea. But if you do that, then videos with stories or head to heads, new vehicle releases, need their own channel each... We all miss the days from the Drive and one takes on youtube, but those days are long gone.

[@DirtDude117]

Matt and Zach, I help A few dealers run their service departments and manage their used car fleets. It seems the GRolla diff issues are more common with the non-LSD trims strangely enough which is why you likely haven't experienced it. It's something I was personally curious about as a FORMER Focus RS owner as I co-drive a GRolla Nationally with SCCA Solo AutoX. In my non-instrumented testing I could do 1.5 Tail of the Dragon runs in a OPEN DIFF car before getting the warning. Locking diff car I would not experience an issue in 3 runs. In our departments it seems the rear diff set for more rear bias heat soaks more and the factory fluid fill/weight isn't sufficient. When swapping the Open Diff cars to an Amsoil fluid with slightly thinner cold and thicker hot fluid the issue hasn't returned.

[@starrdogchamp1]

afforadble cars in peoples minds are not 40 to 50 grand cars i think but the 20 to 30k sports car, enthusiast cars are long gone.

[@Bob_Smith19]

$40k is not affordable no matter what we are told to bekive. If it’s not $20k or under it’s not affordable. And before you tell me to stop living in the past, look at the current level of household debt. People are being forced to live beyond their means due to the high costs of everything. It’s not sustainable.

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

Already watched your GR Corolla/BRZ video -- doing my part. 🙂 Regarding the sales of the BRZ, I can see that. My local Subaru dealer isn't even bothering stocking any. They will get ONE every once in a while, but they're not advertising them or bothering to keep any in stock. I can understand that when everyone who goes to a Subaru dealer wants a Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback.

[@thedarkenergist]

IDK guys - I watch EVERY SINGLE VIDEO you guys put out. They've consistently gotten better as far as content and production value. I enjoy both of your candor and honesty. I'd love to say "keep it up!" but I know that it's a little bit of a stretch for you guys to constantly put out stuff when you're not getting a proportionate response.

[@tjseid]

Where can one obtain the meat ragu recipe perhaps ?

[@theguess5899]

New drinking game anytime Matt says "like" you have to drink

[@robertstahl8835]

This podcast is way better than the car reviews.... You can just squash that channel as far as I'm concerned.

[@drunkpolack7612]

Imma be honest, i pretty much exclusively listen to the podcast unless it’s some badass car.

[@scarblack44]

Jim clark was the driver Zack was thinking of.

[@lggy690]

Nice watch Zach 😎

[@pamelaramdat8321]

Personally for me, my ideal car video is sub 15mins and it on public roads and a few more camera shots rather than just an i car facing you

[@NoClassic]

The electro-magnetic rear differentials are notorious for the heat issues. I wonder if the models with or without the torsen in the actual housing tend to overheat more frequently?

[@davidjames8505]

He got the manga g shock. Nice

[@nickalonso1227]

I think it may be more straight forward, comparison of two different cars puts you in a niche because it really would have to be someone cross shopping both which may happen but I’d personally be more likely to click on the new BRZ then I would be to the click on BRZ + a car Im not interested to learn about as much

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Fact of the matter is, I have less and less time to spend watching YT vids and there's more and more high quality content available... There's some creators I never miss an upload from and TST just never was one of them. The way it is, I have to choose my screen time carefully and if I watch a video I'm not that interested in just to support the views because I like the creators, it means I'm not going to have time to watch something I've already got on my must watch list. It's the same with all media, nothing lasts forever and new things come along that build momentum and trend.

[@allenskillicorn1061]

Share the roads! Where should I plan a trip?

[@adamfry1125]

I wonder if the GR/BRZ didn't hit because we don't get the GR86 in UK. Bit harder to be interested when we don't get that car. I still enjoyed it though. Just a thought

[@VacFink]

The comparo video was great!

[@dekabwerks]

Damn 3 min and didn’t beat the bots

[@carplay5454]

I didn't even know there was a brz vs gr corolla video.

[@ryanr482]

A bronco specced to a Lexus overtrail is at least 60k so the Lexus is really only 10k more so closer than some would expect.

[@PHFilms3]

Matt, I met you in Detroit, Michigan many years ago. I am a big fan of the podcast and videos. I have some ideas to run by you and Zack for the smoking tire channel and the podcast. Please let me know if you’re interested in talking.

[@perrosdemaiz]

Everybody owns a piece of the road. It’s public space. Even bicyclists and pedestrians. People who think they own or control a beach or waves is equally despicable. Anyone threatening violence toward people who would enjoy those resources should be jailed.

[@donschiffer7400]

In fairness it is a bit more than, I missed the car when it was cheap. It’s I couldn’t afford it at 5k, now I could but it’s 30k… I’m not saying don’t talk about it, that’s lame. But the frustration is very real.

[@cjtr83]

I genuinely don't know why your work, Whether KZbin 'content' or the Podcast doesn't get 10 fold in views and interactions. You guys make some of the best automotive content out. Anywhere. Please don't feel too disheartened because your work IS appreciated my those that do watch & listen. An idea for car guy/girl guests, What about if some brought their cars for a chat and drive? A little Leno style but could really be good.

[@Matness23]

Guys tequila isnt bad either…i watched the GR/BRZ comparison i like that format, sorry it didnt hit. I will say that both cars are geared towards different buyers. BRz vs Miata, or GR Corolla vs WRX may have been better.

[@DieselFuelNetwork]

I've been a viewer for a very long time. I thought the brz / corolla video was overproduced. It seemed scripted. I've always liked your basic style of driving a road while talking. I haven't been a fan of the more produced videos you guys have done in the past year or so. I do love Throttle House, but I look at their show as an entertainment spectacle. I have always looked at The Smoking Tire as the true automotive journalist perspective. The video equivalent to reading the driving impressions in Road and track, etc.

[@fishtigua]

911 Targa 997.2 for me. The 991 and later 911's are just another VAG product to me.

[@ryaneccles1237]

I have been a fan of your channels for a long time, and I also feel like you should do more of what interests you rather than to try to pander to the algorithm. Also, I would love to see you driving your own cars more often - more Bentley, NSX and M3!

[@phattiger1506]

I have watched for years, and been a big fan, and to be brutally honest, especially after the Macan review, Zack is in his prime, better than ever, Matt has gotten stale in his videos and it just feels like he is going through a checklist of "this is how i review a car". Given the algorithm is already being a nuisance, and WCCS seems to be doing well, i'd focus on the podcast and drop the reviews for a while until the passion comes back.

[@beachmaster5000]

At 1:03:41 is one hell of a slurp Matt! 😂

[@shingoose6197]

I do miss the one take videos with random cars, not new cars. I watch the new car content occasionally, but maybe some clean examples of cars from the past that are affordable on the used market would hit better. Even if you've done the car before, revisiting might seem redundant but people like that.

[@sharpcheddar2753]

Im subscribed with to the main channel and I watch most of the videos and I didn’t get recommended the gr vs brz video 15:56

[@F41LZZz]

you'll probably not see this. I have a few friends that do KZbin (as a job), and chasing views appears really soulless. lot of chasing trends. I could certainly relate to your frustrations with effort in not = big views. But it could be really toxic using view count as validation. The comments/ peoples response, and the fact that you did a really good job, and put together a great quality product should shine through. One of my mates just doesn't chase views, he's at a point where he's big enough/ known enough in that industry where he can live on the sponsorships quite happily. And I honestly think what you've created is great. You know exactly what you're going to get when you click on one of your videos, and its always a high bar in terms of content. one thing you could do which would certainly gain far more views, without much effort is videos are like, more focused, smaller videos (10 to 15minutes) on a single topic. a tier list. or topical (like hybrids - are they going to ruin the sports car). where it is just you talking into a microphone with pictures up on screen. or have you talking in front of a camera. Doug has done a whole lot of these, and they are generally very well received. everyone knows its low effort, but inter sliced with high quality/ high effort content becomes a really good formula. at the end of the day, you should be making the content that you love. it appears thats were you're at, and you're very successful doing it.

[@JorJorBinks123]

The GR comparison didn’t make it to my notifications. Hmmm but that thumbnail is not as catchy as some others I’ve seen.

[@mipko]

Maybe just little comment on BRZ vs GR86 video... I did watch it and what I realised during watching is that both of your commentaries on the riding characteristic of the cars were touch repetitive. I felt like same thoughts or points were said multiple times and that video could be 20 minutes long and I would get same amount of information.

[@AlainSTO]

I'll be watching the video at some point. I just haven't had the chance and honestly, I kinda wrote these two cars off because Toyota has been so bad with the ADM that I don't even look at their direction anymore. I remember hearing about the ADM for their Land Cruiser and its price and immediately thought, "Well might as well go for the Lexus then, where I know my dealership (which is across the street from Toyota) doesn't do markups."

[@VG22.]

@thesmokingtirepodcast. You guys need to do POV reviews

[@Bitter65]

Music video: Calvin Harris - We'll Be Coming Back ft. Example 70s 911, Ferrari 512BBi and soome kind of Ducati? I'm not as much of a bike guy.

[@andriolo]

You guys literally run ads saying you won't announce what cars you're interested in because it'll bring attention to it. I get that you need material to talk about but just acknowledge what affect you have on an undervalued car or good driving spot.

[@lukedowney7421]

One takes!!!

[@MarioMoizi]

long time viewer and fan here. I'm watching most of your videos and as many podcasts as I have the time for, but weirdly enough I didn't notice that new Corolla vs BRZ vid at all - looks like the algorithm f***ed that up somehow... :(

[@flech3025]

Why did Ford stop making cars? The only car they currently make is the Mustang, everything else is a truck or SUV.

[@ZpMonsterGarage]

The KZbin view not hitting thing: 1) The almighty KZbin Algorithm loves negativity. I started getting snippy/sassy with the less than tasteful comments on my Shorts and they take off. If respond thoughtfully and respectfully to a well thought out comment. It sinks view wise 2) The Algorithm loves lists 3) See 1 & 2 4) Make what you enjoy and it will eventually find its audience 5) You have diversified your incomes well. So you are prepared for one to fall off. Still hurts the ego.

[@argyle1812]

TBH anything that features a BRZ is boring. Terrible power, overpriced and just ugly. Especially in top spec when its almost Corrola GR money

[@lukedowney7421]

Could say the same for the GRC

[@VS666]

As someone who’s been watching since the beginning I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go and I really hate to say it but long format is on its way out. I see it in all my friends I’ve shared videos with all the years, nobody watches more than a minute of a scrubbed video anymore and unless it has a catchy title or controversial premise they just flat out don’t bother. I blame TikTok and Reels obviously, it’s a shame too because they miss a lot. And I mean a lot. It’s their loss but when the money dries up all these channels I know and love will just be clickbait topical car subjects. For Christ’s sake I watched a 30min in depth analysis of the Porsche PDK. I’ve never owned a P car and probably never will because all the gas versions will be 20 years old by the time I get around.

[@bobbykhan5787]

I think one of the issues lately (with car videos in general) is the cars coming out are generally not interesting. I think you guys should go back to the original unscripted one takes, I really liked those and miss them. Side note: I think the 86 is more popular this gen is simply because the front looks better imo.

[@hellcat7054]

12:59 "you should have got in the game" matt I like you but what am I supposed to do when im 20 years younger than you are and not even in a continent when that car was sold?

[@starrdogchamp1]

i dont think that video hit because i think most people in this age group or people that would consider these cars are really looking into older cars. is it becaue of the value they hope will increase or is it that car guys and gals are looking for something different and not all these new cars that are lacking visual character. the video though was great. i really enjoyed it and wondered which one i would buy if i was looking at these two cars.

[@joncaseyclary]

A friendly request to KZbinrs : please do not complain about views. It’s really not a good look. Have those conversations in private.

[@robertstahl8835]

They're just being honest and transparent

[@mapko15]

Brutally honest I just don't care about car reviews anymore I've been watching you guys since Fast lane daily and Garage 419 but I primarily watch now for the podcast's I'll watch a review here and there but not much, now the One take's were great I watched those all the time because they were fun and different, It's not just you guys, but car reviews in general don't hold my attention at all anymore

[@gustavoflorio5383]

Don't do late and don't do track.

[@dan.r9220]

I watched the video, but only because I want you to do more like that. 30 min was way to long for me.

[@Superfly816]

You’re literally saying… If you use the awd it will overheat; and not calling it an inadequate design. It’s the same issue as a focus rs. Fwd trash.

[@WichitayardbarberLawncare]

It's hilarious that they spent the whole podcast being nice to each other then basically ended by ripping each other to shreds. Classic

[@redlion145]

People are allowed to disagree. Especially about a topic as broad as "which country made the best cars for each decade." I think they both provided reasoning for their choices, and they listened to each other's picks and responded, that's what a good discussion consists of.

[@Greaser_media]

I'm always getting Joe Rogan and Tony Hincliffe vibes from these two 😂

[@fraserwright9482]

Who is Joe Rogan?

[@Bob_Smith19]

You couldn’t be further from the mark.

[@WillowDailyShorts]

I’m in the market for a GR. Not much new content out there. That part of the video was good. Didn’t care about the Subaru, skipped those parts.

[@trigganometry168]

Put better fluids in the GR Corolla and you should not have problems. I know some guy that puts Moty’s fluids and he never has a problem on track running in 90 degree days in Southern California.

[@danieldharwood14]

Just my opinion but I think the time of podcasts and 30 min videos was over Covid when everyone had free time. I believe what pops now is short form videos that have clear take away listed in the title. Ex. The new mustang is the best and fast Mustang ever! VS first drive and review of 2024 Mustang GT. I would focus on making a point in the video and getting to that point instead of making viewers watch and see what you think. Love the podcast while I work but if I want to sit and watch a review it’s gotta be under 15 mins.

[@Accost2u]

I agree to a point. Videos without high production level shouldn’t be more than 10-12 mins. High production should be under 30 mins. I don’t last with podcasts over 2 hours (ex: Rogan) either.

[@Bob_Smith19]

YT is pushing the short form content to the detriment of everyone. You cannot get your points off in that timeframe for a lot of subjects. That’s awfully short to discuss specs, changes from previous models and driving impressions. The algorithm is pushing Shorts heavily. There are a lot of people, like myself, that wish we could turn Shorts off and not have that garbage in our feeds. I am here for long form content. Fifteen minutes is the bare minimum for my view.

[@darrenr67]

Change the thumbnail for the BRZ video. Show it drifting and then cut outs of your faces making expressions about how you feel about it. (Or just expressions in general)

[@waclosh]

The video is missing a real race and rivality between bros.

[@vladx2]

If you scrap that 10 year old 5000 mi EV, it’s dirty. Chances are though, someone else will buy it and it will still be driving around until 200k+ miles, still making it cleaner. Please look beyond the first owner - all new cars end up with second, third, fourth owners who will drive them and make the whole system cleaner.

[@stevemartegani]

The BRZ RARELY has more than a couple hundred in inventory in the WHOLE country, but you can order them from dealers at least. Toyota sends a SHIT TON of automatic GR86s to dealers regardless if they want them or not. They don't allow custom orders either So the BS about BRZ sales being "way down" versus the GR86 is 100% a result of corporate, NOT the customers.

[@monkeyflipper]

Love the Pod and the KZbin channel but it competes for my attention with 1 million other things. I didn't have 35 minutes to allocate to a comparison of two budget and irrelevant sports cars. If you were comparing an R8 and a Huracan I'd have watched it in slow mo.

[@jjohnbowie]

Idk if this matter to your questions on the view you pull but I'm 24 in Melbourne Australia and I only watch your car Vids and I really have no interest in newer cars