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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.