M2 CS Review; A Bad Car that Changed History?
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In this episode of The Smoking Tire, host and guest dive into a deep review of the BMW M2 CS, evaluating its performance on both street and track. Despite its 523 horsepower, carbon components, and premium dampers, the host finds the car underwhelming compared to the regular M2, especially given its $30,000 premium. The review highlights the car's stiff seats, numb steering, and a handling behavior that transitions abruptly from push to snap oversteer when traction control is off. The host expresses disappointment that the M2 CS doesn't deliver a significantly more engaging driving experience than its base model. The episode also covers the host’s ongoing Mercedes E500 Cabriolet conversion project, including updates on the Countach’s rear suspension rebuild and the E500’s powertrain plans using an E55 donor. The conversation shifts to broader automotive themes, including the impact of the Ford Explorer on SUV culture, the future of EVs, and the irony of cars like the Aztec and Cybertruck becoming cultural symbols. The episode closes with listener questions on car ownership, trade-ins, and long road trips, including a dream journey to the Arctic Circle.
The BMW M2 CS offers marginal gains over the regular M2 despite a $30,000 price jump, with no significant improvement in track fun or driving engagement.
The M2 CS’s handling is prone to sudden snap oversteer when traction control is off, making it harder to manage than expected.
The Countach’s rear suspension is being rebuilt, and the E500 Cabriolet conversion is progressing with an E55 powertrain and custom fenders.
The Ford Explorer is credited with catalyzing the SUV craze, reshaping the automotive market toward crossovers.
EVs may become more appealing if fuel prices stay high, but affordability and infrastructure remain key challenges.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Sponsor Segments & Giveaway Announcement
The episode opens with sponsor reads for Off The Record, Avance, FitBod, and Blue Chew, followed by a promotion for the Smoking Tire's Porsche 911 Turbo S giveaway.
BMW M2 CS Street & Track Review
“I don't know what you really get for the money. And in fact, let's talk about the handling. This is the first time you even say track.”
Countach & E500 Conversion Updates
“We're just going to do just the aluminum, like the brushed one, which I think will work.”
Dyno Testing & Data Manipulation
“You can make a dyno sheet say almost anything. That's wild.”
Cultural Impact of the Ford Explorer
The host argues the first-gen Ford Explorer was a pivotal car that reshaped the automotive landscape by popularizing the SUV segment, leading to the decline of sedans and wagons.
“The problem with being 99% good is that like... You treat it like it's 100%.”
“You can make a dyno sheet say almost anything. That's wild.”
“The first generation Ford Explorer. Pretty much created what the modern SUV is.”
Host
Guest
Host
person
BMW M2 CS
other
Countach
other
Zach
person
E500 Cabriolet
other
Ford Explorer
other
Cybertruck
other
Pontiac Aztec
other
Dino Tasting
other
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other
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