Episodes

  • A $74K Corvette Just Hit 200 MPH

    A $74K Corvette Just Hit 200 MPH
    Jul 9 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • The $44K Porsche 911, the 111RS Debate & Why Speed Costs Money

    The $44K Porsche 911, the 111RS Debate & Why Speed Costs Money
    Jul 2 2026
    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
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    1 hr
  • BMW's Electric M3, Classic BMW Daily Drivers & The Underrated Jaguar F-Type

    BMW's Electric M3, Classic BMW Daily Drivers & The Underrated Jaguar F-Type
    Jun 25 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Why Modern Cars Lost Their Soul | Aerospace Engineering, Toyota & Driver Feel

    Why Modern Cars Lost Their Soul | Aerospace Engineering, Toyota & Driver Feel
    Jun 18 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • GT4 Backlash, Corvette Z06 Revelation & The Cars We'd Buy Instead

    GT4 Backlash, Corvette Z06 Revelation & The Cars We'd Buy Instead
    Jun 11 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ferrari’s EV Problem, Lotus Gets Wilder, and Jay Leno Garage Stories

    Ferrari’s EV Problem, Lotus Gets Wilder, and Jay Leno Garage Stories
    Jun 4 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • BMW’s Manual Comeback, GT4 Gearing Problems & R8 vs Gallardo Debate

    BMW’s Manual Comeback, GT4 Gearing Problems & R8 vs Gallardo Debate
    May 28 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Inside Porsche Special Wishes, Singer Turbos & The Return of Analog Driving

    Inside Porsche Special Wishes, Singer Turbos & The Return of Analog Driving
    May 21 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 26 mins