JRE #505 – Matt Farah & Alex Ross

This podcast explores the world of cars with automotive journalists Matt Farah and Alex Ross, delving into the intricacies of Porsche engineering, the thrill of performance driving, and the evolution of the automotive industry. Provocative topics include the merits of manual versus automatic transmissions, the impact of technology on driving, and the cultural significance of classic cars. Underlying themes highlight the enduring passion for automobiles, the constant push for technological advancement, and the philosophical debate between analog and digital driving experiences.

Topics

1. Porsche Tuning and Sharkwerks

   1. Alex Ross, founder of Sharkwerks, specializes in tuning and enhancing Porsche GT3s, pushing their performance to extreme levels.
   2. Sharkwerks’ approach focuses on accentuating the existing character of the Porsche GT3, rather than transforming it into a different type of car.
   3. The podcast highlights the visceral and exhilarating driving experience of Sharkwerks-tuned GT3s, emphasizing their enhanced responsiveness and power delivery.
   4. The conversation explores the evolution of Porsche models, from early air-cooled versions to modern, technologically advanced iterations.

2. The Future of Driving

   1. The podcast delves into the potential impact of self-driving cars on the automotive industry and the future of driving.
   2. The hosts discuss the decline of the traditional driving experience as technology advances and automated vehicles become more prevalent.
   3. The conversation explores the philosophical implications of removing the human element from driving, questioning the future of automotive passion and skill.
   4. The podcast contrasts the thrilling experience of driving a high-performance car with the potentially sterile experience of self-driving vehicles.

3. Manual vs. Automatic Transmissions

   1. The podcast dives into the ongoing debate among car enthusiasts regarding manual versus automatic transmissions.
   2. The hosts discuss the pros and cons of both types of transmissions, highlighting the driver engagement and control of a manual, versus the convenience and performance of a PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) system.
   3. The discussion delves into the specific challenges of launching a car with a manual transmission, emphasizing the skill required to maximize performance.
   4. The podcast acknowledges the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions, particularly PDKs, even in high-performance sports cars.

4. The Acura NSX

   1. The podcast revisits the Acura NSX, a legendary sports car from the late 1980s and 1990s, known for its performance and reliability.
   2. The hosts praise the NSX’s bulletproof nature and its enduring appeal, highlighting its remarkable durability and handling.
   3. The discussion contrasts the NSX’s straightforward design and mechanical simplicity with the increasingly complex and technologically advanced modern sports cars.
   4. The podcast touches on the potential challenges of the upcoming hybrid NSX, questioning whether it will retain the original model’s essence and appeal.

5. Minimalist Cars

   1. The podcast explores the emerging trend of minimalist cars, characterized by their simplicity and focus on driving enjoyment.
   2. The hosts discuss the appeal of cars with limited technology and a focus on core driving sensations, offering an alternative to the increasingly complex and electronically-laden vehicles.
   3. The conversation highlights the importance of driver engagement and the ability to feel connected to the mechanical aspects of driving.
   4. The podcast features examples of minimalist cars, such as the Ariel Atom and the BAC Mono, emphasizing their raw performance and lack of creature comforts.

6. American Muscle Cars

   1. The podcast delves into the world of American muscle cars, discussing their historical significance, performance, and cultural impact.
   2. The hosts express their appreciation for the raw power and visceral experience of muscle cars, even acknowledging their potential for being “stupid” or lacking in refinement.
   3. The discussion highlights the iconic status of muscle cars, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, emphasizing their powerful engines and aggressive styling.
   4. The podcast contrasts the brutish nature of muscle cars with the more refined and technologically advanced European sports cars.

7. The Importance of Tires

   1. The podcast emphasizes the critical role of tires in performance driving, highlighting their impact on grip, handling, and overall driving experience.
   2. The hosts caution against skimping on tires, particularly in high-performance cars, stressing the importance of using tires appropriate for the vehicle’s capabilities and driving conditions.
   3. The conversation discusses the evolution of tire technology, emphasizing the advancements in grip, durability, and overall performance of modern tires.
   4. The podcast underscores the importance of properly warming up tires before pushing a car to its limits, ensuring optimal grip and handling.

8. The Internet’s Influence on Car Culture

   1. The podcast explores the impact of the internet on car culture, particularly its influence on performance expectations and the perception of “normal” car performance.
   2. The hosts discuss how online content featuring high-horsepower builds and extreme performance has shifted the baseline for what is considered impressive or “normal” in car culture.
   3. The conversation acknowledges the potential pitfalls of online car culture, where excessive horsepower and technological advancements can overshadow the core driving experience.
   4. The podcast emphasizes the importance of perspective and the need to appreciate cars for their individual qualities, regardless of their horsepower or technological sophistication.

9. The Paul Walker Crash

   1. The podcast touches on the tragic crash involving Paul Walker, highlighting the role of worn tires and the importance of regular maintenance in car safety.
   2. The hosts discuss how tire degradation, even on seemingly new-looking tires, can significantly compromise grip and handling, leading to dangerous situations.
   3. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using tires appropriate for the vehicle’s capabilities and driving conditions, as well as the need for regular tire inspections and replacements.
   4. The podcast underscores the potential dangers of driving a high-performance car, particularly when its tires are not in optimal condition.

10. The Role of Traction Control

    1. The podcast discusses the role of traction control in modern cars, acknowledging its benefits in enhancing safety and stability, but also highlighting its potential to hinder driver engagement and control.
    2. The hosts discuss the debate regarding the use of traction control, particularly in performance cars, where some enthusiasts prefer the challenge and thrill of driving without it.
    3. The conversation acknowledges the advancements in traction control technology, recognizing its effectiveness in preventing wheelspin and maintaining stability, even in extreme conditions.
    4. The podcast underscores the philosophical debate surrounding the balance between safety and driver engagement, questioning whether technology should be used to eliminate all risks associated with driving.

11. The Impact of Overengineering

    1. The podcast explores the potential drawbacks of overengineering cars, particularly in terms of diminishing the core driving experience.
    2. The hosts express their concern that the relentless pursuit of technological advancements and performance figures can lead to a disconnect between the driver and the car.
    3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between technological sophistication and driving engagement, ensuring that cars remain enjoyable to drive and connect with the driver.
    4. The podcast highlights the significance of visceral driving experiences, where the driver can feel the engine’s power, the car’s handling, and the connection to the road, a feeling that can be lost in the pursuit of pure performance.

12. The Importance of Balance in Car Design

    1. The podcast underscores the importance of balance in car design, recognizing that a truly great car must be enjoyable to drive both on the track and on the road.
    2. The hosts discuss the challenges of creating cars that excel in both performance and daily usability, highlighting the trade-offs that are often made in pursuit of extreme performance.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of creating cars that are comfortable, practical, and enjoyable to drive on a regular basis, not just on the track.
    4. The podcast emphasizes the need for car designers and engineers to consider the entire driving experience, rather than focusing solely on performance figures and track times.

13. The Role of Car Culture

    1. The podcast touches on the cultural significance of cars, recognizing their role as symbols of status, freedom, and personal expression.
    2. The hosts discuss how car culture has evolved over time, adapting to changing societal values and technological advancements.
    3. The conversation highlights the enduring appeal of classic cars, acknowledging their historical significance and their unique character.
    4. The podcast underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating car culture, ensuring that the passion for automobiles continues to thrive in future generations.

Memorable Quotes

1. “When you drive a car and say, ‘This is the best car ever,’ that’s a totally different thing.” – Joe Rogan emphasizes the significance of Matt Farah’s automotive expertise and experience.
2. “I think that automotive technology has reached a sufficient limit… where we can have these wacky future $1,000,000 cars for Russian oligarchs, but really, there needs to be some sort of balance.” – Joe Rogan expresses his concern about the potential for overengineering to overshadow the core driving experience.
3. “A car that makes unnecessary burnouts is a kind of stupid car. It’s fun for fun. Right? Like a Shelby. They’re fun cars. Fun. But they’re kind of stupid.” – Joe Rogan shares his perspective on the appeal and limitations of muscle cars.
4. “The whole idea of those old Porsche’s with the skinny ass tires, that slid all over the place… those were death traps.” – Joe Rogan reflects on the evolution of car safety and performance.
5. “The sun was at the wrong place on the horizon… Vaseline on my fingernails.” – Alex Ross playfully explains his missed shot in pool, highlighting the unexpected factors that can influence even the most skilled players.