Automotive ADHD

Tesla Roadster, Porsche Mission S, and the electric sports car debate: Matt West questions whether spectacular technology makes driving more enjoyable. Tesla’s new Roadster brings thrusters, fan-assisted downforce, and a name Matt takes personally. Porsche’s Mission S concept brings physical buttons and an analog tachometer. Matt compares their approaches and makes his case for why a true sports c...

Toyota Tundra V8 values, turbocharged truck reliability, California tire rules, and affordable off-roading drive this conversation with automotive journalist and professional test driver Justin Fort. Justin, host of Hank Watson’s Garage Hour, joins Matt West to explain what separates a competent test driver from the exceptionally talented racers at the top of the sport. They discuss driving at the...

We all know at least one person who will not get behind the wheel of a car and not for medical or financial reasons. Some hate cars out of selfishness, and others fear. On this bonus Reddit reaction edition of Automotive ADHD, Matt discusses how to definitively cure somebody afflicted with advance automotive hatred disorder. Support The Show While Getting Your Next Set Of Tires From Tire Rack! Was...

Flying cars, FAA regulations, air taxis, and America’s race with China take center stage in this bonus conversation with Tim Jackson, author of Dude, Where’s My Flying Car? Matt West and Tim examine whether regulators can move quickly enough to support eVTOL technology—and what could happen if the United States allows China to take the lead. They also explore how air taxis could transform airport...

Flying cars, eVTOL air taxis, and autonomous vehicles are closer than most drivers realize. Author, private pilot, and automotive-industry veteran Tim Jackson joins Matt West to explore the past, present, and possible future of personal transportation. Tim explains why more than 200 companies are pursuing flying-vehicle technology, how personal aircraft differ from commercial air taxis, and why au...

GM L87 engine failures, California's INSANE tire regulations, the cheapest Toyota Century in the country, and more on this edition of the Automotive ADHD Show. Matt examines the growing controversy surrounding General Motors’ 6.2-liter L87 V8, from bearing and machining concerns to reports of engines failing while Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles are in motion. How can the company behind the smal...

Toyota teases the new MR2 and Celica yet again, while giving us something entirely different. Is this the future for Gazoo Racing? Just a Guy Jim Miller joins Matt to discuss that, hyper inflated Land Cruiser prices, and insane Colorado Springs front plate restrictions. Jim also discusses what he doesn't like about modern Toyotas and recounts his second major wreck in the past couple of months. An...

Does driving a manual transmission actually make you smarter? New research from Japan suggests that operating a stick shift may stimulate the brain’s prefrontal cortex. Matt breaks down the science behind manual transmissions, why stick-shift cars may create safer and more attentive drivers, and why learning to drive manual could still benefit new drivers today. Also is California's Driver's Educa...

The Nissan Altima is headed for the automotive graveyard, but does that mean drivers are finally safe? In this bonus episode of the Automotive ADHD Show, Matt breaks down the Nissan Altima driver stereotype, declining sales, CVT reliability problems, and the car’s infamous reputation for highway chaos. After delivering a completely serious eulogy for the Nissan Altima, Matt asks which car could re...

Could Ford owe new-car buyers money after receiving a massive tariff refund? Matt breaks down the class-action lawsuit that could determine whether drivers deserve a share of the money automakers charged customers to cover tariffs. He also recounts evacuating an entire collection of JDM cars and project vehicles as a major Colorado wildfire moved toward his home, including the insurance problems a...

Ferrari says the 12Cilindri Manuale brings back the manual experience, but is a Manuale By-Wire gated shifter connected to an 8-speed DCT really a manual transmission or just a very expensive fake? Matt also talks Pikes Peak Hill Climb race cars with Stryker Motorsports, including a Can-Am Maverick R-based hill climb build, plus what happens when a Colorado wildfire gets close enough that you have...

The world's second oldest continuous auto race is primed to run up Pikes Peak again this year. Jim Miller and I attend PPIHC Fan Fest, the massive motorsports street festival featuring the best of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and give you our thoughts on this year's race. I interview rookie Pikes Peak Driver Rob Wilmoth about his first run up the peak and more. Jim Miller also discusses how to handle...

Ford CEO Jim Farley says the quiet part out loud and shares what automotive manufacturers are thinking behind closed doors. Ford is decisively anti-right to repair and claims that it's for your own safety. I discuss that, as well as some Pikes Peak Hill Climb Racing action, Jeep recalls, and more on this edition of the show! Whether you enjoy wrenching on cars, optimizing performance, or just want...

Automated enforcement on the roads actually makes you LESS safe behind the wheel. I talk with Jay Beeber, Executive Director of Policy for the National Motorist's Association about why automated speed and red light cameras no only lead to more unwarranted tickets, but more corruption, more surveillance, and less safe driving conditions. Whether you enjoy wrenching on cars, optimizing performance,...

Car culture is in dire straights, with racetracks closing and communities cracking down on modified cars, it's never been harder to be a car enthusiast. I talk with Tayven from Primul Garage about his car show event which seeks to bring the community back into cars right here in Colorado Springs. Whether you enjoy wrenching on cars, optimizing performance, or just want to understand what’s going u...

Race tracks are closing across the country and the latest is the Pikes Peak International Raceway in my home town of Colorado Springs. This is disappointing for race fans and grassroots motorsports fanatics alike. I discuss the reason behind it and why it's way harder to combat than we think. Whether you like drifting, road course racing, autocross, time attack, or drag racing, this affects you. W...

Gas prices are up and now motor oil itself could become more scarce. Toyota and Nissan confirmed industry concerns. Working on your project car or daily driver might get more expensive and will people start hoarding motor oil like we did toilet paper in 2020? I discuss that, my recent Honda S2000 woes, and more on this edition of the show! Get your GPS tracker now and protect your car! Use Promo c...

What is the BEST food to eat in the car? The Toyota God himself joins me to rank what you should and shouldn't eat in the car. Your project car might be crusty, but your upholstery shouldn't be. Whether you enjoy wrenching on cars, optimizing performance, or just want to understand what’s going under the hood, this is the car show that talks about everything with four wheels and then some! Get you...

I take a break from talking cars and instead focus on the big wheelless cars of the sky! Spirit Airlines kicked the bucket, seemingly to the relief of everyone across the country. I discuss why we SHOULD want Spirit Airlines to exist and what will happen now that they don't. Whether you enjoy wrenching on cars, optimizing performance, or just want to understand what’s going under the hood, this is...

Colorado just made speed cameras far worse and this tech changes how they will ticket drivers. I discuss the MAJOR problem I have with automated enforcement systems on the roadways as well as my experience with them. The system is yet another step toward a surveillance state. I also discuss why Ford is breaking up with Shelby, and how a pristine 1996 Toyota 4Runner crossing the block at Mecum Auct...

Toyota is the KING of teasing us with new Celica information, but now they're saying the AWD rally car legend really is coming back this time... as a Hybrid. Will this kill our hopes for the car or usher in a new era of affordable hybrid performance cars? I discuss that with "The Toyota God" himself Jim Miller. We also talk off road pickup trucks with Toyota's new TRD (Turd?) Hammer which seeks to...

For YEARS tuning your performance car's ECU has been considered black magic and only understandable by a select few tuners who have unlocked its mystical secrets. That just isn't the case anymore. I talk with mechanic and tuner Brian Conrad about why so-called "Speed Shops" get it wrong. We also talk about the completely unrealistic build expectations people have for their project cars and how soc...

With increasing gas prices, is flex fuel the way to go? I talk with mechanic and automotive tuner Brian Conrad about tuning engines for E85, ethanol fuel blends, and why more ethanol is being mixed into gasoline at the pump. This isn’t just about project cars. Ethanol fuel impacts daily drivers, fuel economy, and performance across many modern vehicles. We also discuss standalone ECUs, engine tuni...

The only ECU you need for your project car build is rusEFI, and at $175 for the entry level UAEFI it can't be beat! I talk with Andrey from rusEFI about past, present, and future development, as well as some incredible news about his latest product to support 8HP transmissions. If you're a gearhead and you need an ECU that checks ALL of the boxes (and at an incredible price point), this is the pod...

Volkswagen has been blocking your right to repair for years with systems like "Component Protection" and after nearly two decades, a new bill has been introduced to stop this. Without that, it's only a matter of time until other manufacturers like Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Toyota, and Nissan do the same (assuming they haven't already). If you like working on cars, or just don't want to pay out the nose...