Welcome to The Smoking Tire. Kick ass automotive videos and more.

Protecting Us from Us: NHTSA Throttle Cut-off.

Monday, April 16th, 2012

 

by Zack Klapman

 

The announcement of the NHTSA’s proposal to have every new car, van, truck and bus fitted with throttle override systems, has me torn. Not because I don’t understand why; it’ll save lives. It eliminates the human error that caused people to cry wolf “stuck throttle.” Done. (Although it will kill the art of the “brake stand.”)

 

But in my cynical, senseless little world this a further weakening of our species. These systems are easy to implement, prevent stupid lawsuits and keep David Arkansas from accidentally jumping the Grand Canyon with his family screaming from the first exciting thing they’ve done that whole damn trip. But I’m still annoyed, because 1. We’re continuing to child-proof the road, rather than have the children (drivers) learn not to touch the sockets, and 2. How the hell can we say pedals are dangerous, but a system the reads completely trivial Tweets and Facebook updates to you while you drive a heavy, moving auto-mother-fucking-bile, is totally ok? (more…)

16.04.2012 Editorials, News, Uncategorized 3 Comments

(Green) Supercar Saturday: 2 cars, 2,475HP

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

by Zack Klapman

 

It’s a double dose of eco-friendly, super-car madness. For only $1,500 a Norwegian company will give your Ferrari FF 875HP, and cut it’s emissions by almost 70%. Yay, corn. And an American company wants to build a 2,000HP hyper-car that goes 300MPH, with a high-end interior. Jump for more.

 

(more…)

14.04.2012 News, Video 10 Comments

Question: What do Matt Farah and Justin Bieber Have in Common?

Monday, April 9th, 2012

If, after seeing this picture of a Subaru, you’re thinking, “They are both lesbians,” you’d be wrong. Close, but wrong. If you’re thinking “they have thousands of adoring teenage fans,” you’d be right, except JB gets all the girls and I get the boys. You see the thing that we have in common is actually quite, er, common: as teenagers, we had very poor taste in how to properly modify a car. When I was 17, my daily driver was a black 1998 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT sedan, identical to the one shown above. And what I chose to do to it would truly mortify you. Bear in mind that before about 2002, when the WRX debuted in the US, performance parts for Subaru’s were virtually nonexistent.

I added silver racing stripes, nose to tail. I added a high performance exhaust   cheesy chrome muffler with “DTM” style tips, purchased at AutoZone, where I also bought the “Cone” intake. I changed the shifter knob to a Hurst “T-handle” style but left the mechanism stock. And I put in a huge subwoofer box. But the best part was when I decided my Subaru needed “Phantom lights,” also known by the brand name “Street Glow.” I can safely say that I may have owned the world’s worst-tuned Subaru.

What does that have to do with Justin Bieber, you may ask? Hit the jump to check out the Biebs’ new whip.

(more…)

09.04.2012 News, Photos 8 Comments

In the May Issue of Road Lanes, Matt Reviews the Camaro ZL-1, Panamera Turbo S, and Three New Fords!

Monday, April 9th, 2012

For those who haven’t yet subscribed, Matt writes many reviews for Road Lanes, an online magazine chock full of new car reviews. In this month’s issue, Matt pretty much takes over, writing reviews on the new 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 as tested at Virginia International Raceway, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S (which you will also see  video on The Smoking Tire coming soon), the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, and three Fords that have been updated for 2013, including the Flex, Taurus SHO, and Mustang GT.

You can subscribe to Road Lanes here, and it will be delivered to your inbox every month. If you like Matt’s writing, you’ll get a shitload of it here. Leave your comments about the cars reviewed as well (since Road Lanes doesn’t have comments).

**Side note – I have gotten several emails from people who have subscribed to Road Lanes, but are not receiving issues. If that’s the case, please leave a comment here and I’ll make sure that the editors over there know about it.

09.04.2012 News, Reviews No Comments

Stolen Porsche Taunts Police, Then Crashes

Monday, April 9th, 2012

by Zack Klapman

 

The largest balls on the East coast were recently spotted in Methuen, Ma., stuffed inside a Porsche that was spinning in a police parking lot. Sometime before 2:00AM, a Porsche 911 (along with a ’99 Mercedes and a Land Rover) was stolen from a repair shop. The thief then drove to a police station, pulled into the parking lot, and did donuts. Stupid, but I admit, I want to do that. But as you’ll read, this guy is on another level of impulsive stupidity. I’m thinking when he was in the womb, his balls got the blood that was supposed to go to his brain, creating a legendarily brave idiot.  (more…)

09.04.2012 News No Comments

Awesome Words with Bill Caswell

Friday, April 6th, 2012

by Zack K

 

“Consider this a reminder: There is nothing wrong with seeking perfection – just don’t wait for it.”

 

This should sum-up Bill Caswell‘s motivation, inspiration, and attitude toward his recent life as a gypsy rally racer. Many of us say “one day”, or “I will as soon as X happens” but he has a strong point: if you wait for everything to be just right before you do something, you might never do it. If you want to race cars, don’t wait till you can buy a GT3 RS, find a way to do it now.  It sums up this fascinating interview he did with Gear Box Magazine.It has more to do with his motivations, old career and the financial market than it does about his BMW (although he clears up some haterade on that too) and for that reason, it’s probably a look at Bill you haven’t gotten before. (more…)

06.04.2012 Editorials 1 Comment

AutoAnything is Giving Away a Set of Custom Floor Mats!

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

The Smoking Tire and AutoAnything are proud to announce a floor mat contest: weíre giving away a free set of car mats! To enter the contest, fill out the form below with your name, email address, and the floor mat you’d like. AutoAnything will not be using your contact information for promotional services, and your contact information will not be sold to third parties or advertisers. The contest runs from April 4, 2012 through May 4, 2012 and is open to U.S. residents only.

WeatherTech Extreme-Duty DigitalFit Floor Liners

The WeatherTech Extreme-Duty DigitalFit Floor Liners are computer-designed to perfectly cover your floors. Read more about it and check if it fits your vehicle here http://www.autoanything.com/floor-mats/64A2002A0A0.aspx

WeatherTech Floor Mats

WeatherTech Floor Mats are made from super-durable rubber to protect your interior from catastrophe. Read more about it and check if it fits your vehicle here http://www.autoanything.com/floor-mats/64A1462A0A0.aspx

Husky WeatherBeater Floor Liners

Husky WeatherBeater Floor Liners are designed to stop grime from reaching your specific vehicle’s floorboards. Read more about it and check if it fits your vehicle here http://www.autoanything.com/floor-mats/64A4402A0A0.aspx

Lloyd Mats RubberTite Rubber Floor Mats

Lloyd Mats RubberTite Rubber Floor Mats deliver top-of-the-line all-weather protection. Read more about it and check if it fits your vehicle here http://www.autoanything.com/floor-mats/79A4424A0A0.aspx

About AutoAnything

As the internet leader in aftermarket auto accessories and parts, AutoAnything offers the best in automotive modifications and accessories. Whether you’re looking for an off-road set-up or need to improve your gas mileage, AutoAnything has you covered. You can learn more about AutoAnything and their products on their blog at RidePros.com.

Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Limit one entry per household. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. All fields above must be completely filled out to enter the giveaway. Submissions will be accepted until 12am EST on May 4, 2012. Winners will be chosen at random from all eligible submissions on May 5, 2012 and notified via email and announced on this page. Winner must reply to the email within 7 days of the end of the contest otherwise the prize is forfeited and a second winner is chosen. Prizes: One (1) of the following floor mats – Husky WeatherBeater Floor Liners, WeatherTech Floor Mats, WeatherTech Extreme-Duty DigitalFit Floor Liners, Lloyd Mats RubberTite Rubber Floor Mats for any applicable vehicle. By participating in the giveaway you agree to release thesmokingtire.com and AutoAnything.com from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind in connection with the giveaway, including from the use of any prize. thesmokingtire.com makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, about this giveaway or any prizes awarded. Any or all entries can be disqualified at the sole discretion of thesmokingtire.com due to any attempts to manipulate the giveaway.

04.04.2012 Editorials No Comments

Quick Thought By Zack Handy: New Impala

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

by Zack K

 

Chevy released the pics and stats of what the new Impala will be. (To answer your inevitable question; I have no idea if there will be an SS version.) So far, it seems right for its market.

(more…)

04.04.2012 News 6 Comments

Bullrun is Looking For Interns!

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Bullrun is hiring! For all of you guys (and gals) out there who have wanted to be a part of Bullrun, yet don’t have the $20,000 per car to spend on the rally, here’s your chance to get involved, get on the rally, and MAKE MONEY in the process. If you’re a Los Angeles resident, and are interested in working with Bullrun on the 2012-and-beyond rallies, you should email them, because they are hiring. The only requirements:

- Los Angeles Resident

- Self Motivating

- Computer Literate

- Bullrun Fanatic!

Everything else can be worked out. There is money involved, and whoever gets the job will be going on the Bullrun Rally this year, hanging out with guys like Matt (and probably some skanks too).

Email Info@bullrun.com for more details.

02.04.2012 News 2 Comments

Video Chat Live with Matt and Rob from Super Speeders!

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

In an effort to remain as interactive as possible, Matt and Rob Ferretti from Super Speeders will be hosting a live YouTube chat tomorrow night (Tuesday 4/3/12) at 9 PM EST. We will be telling behind-the-scenes stories about Super Speeders, the truth about exotic car ownership, the secrets to competing in Bullrun successfully, and answering your questions in real time. Also, TST Podcast regular Micah “BamBam” White will be hanging out as well, as the token black dude.

To chat with us live via YouTube’s new, cool setup, visit this link on Tuesday, April 3rd at 9PM EST. We’ll be there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ah155LG9ZE

02.04.2012 News 2 Comments

Previous Entries
Newer Entries