Rennthusiast Radio

This week on Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will sit down with Zack Klapman — co-host of The Smoking Tire and creator of the new automotive game show Driver’s Test — for a deep, candid, and hilarious conversation about Porsche ownership, hype culture, and what makes a real driver’s car.Zack doesn’t hold back — from why the GT3 might be overhyped to which Porsches are still undervalued under $100K, and why G-bodies and 964s might not be worth today’s money. The guys also dive into:- The 912’s surprising charm (and rust horrors)- Why PDK can feel more “race car” than manual- How perfect paint jobs ruin car ownership- Off-road 911s, the magic of the Dakar, and safari builds- Behind-the-scenes of Zack’s new YouTube game show Driver’s Test- The psychology of the Porsche bubble — and how long it can lastThis is the Porsche conversation every enthusiast needs to hear — from three guys who actually drive their cars hard.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Watch more Porsche content on Derek’s channel: @ElevenAfterNineFollow Zack’s new show: @TheSmokingTire & Driver’s Test on YouTubePorsche 911, 996 Turbo, GT3 RS, Porsche ST review, 911 Dakar, Driver’s Test, The Smoking Tire, Zack Klapman, Matt Farah, Porsche buying guide, Porsche under 100k, Porsche manual vs PDK, Rennthusiast Radio, Porsche podcast, air-cooled Porsche, G-body 911, Porsche 997 vs 991, Porsche values 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We went to North Carolina for a few days of rallying, then rolled into Durham for Luftgekühlt 11—and it completely changed our perspectives.Derek opens with a public apology to Will: the Blue Ridge and Blowing Rock backroads aren’t just good…they might be the best he’s ever driven. We unpack what makes rally culture so addictive (trust, pace, and driving), the difference between “owners” and “drivers,” and the moment a patina-rich 356 and a scruffy 912 stole the show from million-dollar icons.Then we get honest about Luft 11 at the historic American Tobacco campus: artfully staged cars, jaw-dropping curation, and yes—“beauty fatigue.” Why the parking garage (daily-driven cars with scars and stories) was our favorite “exhibit,” and how the event lit a fire for the next hunt (hello, G-body).If you’re into real driving, community over clout, and Porsches with character, this one’s for you.Chapters 00:00 Cold open & why we’re buzzing 01:10 Derek’s public apology: Blue Ridge > New England? 03:20 The rally: trust, pace, & Mike/Bob’s routes 06:00 Owners vs drivers (and why patina rules) 10:20 Flow state on mountain roads (spiritual, not spooky) 14:45 Why NC roads hit different vs NE & CA 17:45 Car barns, kindness, and community 21:25 What is Luft—quick primer 23:55 Luft 11 impressions: art, curation, and perfect weather 27:40 Beauty fatigue is real (still the best Porsche show) 29:35 The cars that grabbed us: 912s, 356s, scars & stories 31:00 The hunt begins: G-body fever, Targa debate, garage math 33:30 What’s next & sign-offListen on the go: “Rennthusiast Radio Podcast” (Apple/Spotify). Watch Will’s 993 mountain drive and Derek’s Turbo S/X50 video on ElevenAfterNine. Subscribe for more honest Porsche talk, rally recaps, and ownership reality.Keywords: Luft 11, Luftgekühlt, Porsche 993, Porsche 356, Porsche 912, G-body, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock NC, air-cooled Porsche, rally driving, patina Porsche, Porsche community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will and Derek just got back from rallying through the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains before spending the weekend at Luftgekühlt 11 in Durham, North Carolina. From secret back-road routes around Blowing Rock to running laps at Bristol Motor Speedway, it was two days of incredible driving followed by the most artfully curated Porsche event on the planet — courtesy of Patrick Long and Jeff Zwart at the historic Lucky Strike factory.In the intro, Derek gives a full recap of the week: Then we roll into one of our favorite classic episodes — “The Big Lie: Making Money on Every Porsche.” We dig deep into:The myth of always profiting on Porsche ownershipThe hidden costs (taxes, insurance, PPIs, must-dos vs. nice-to-dos)Why ceramic and PPF are often sunk costsThe ethics of selling and what it means to be a good stewardWhy breaking even might actually mean you’re winningSo grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy a mix of mountain-road storytelling and Porsche ownership truth-talk.Related videos: • Will’s new 993 video → @Rennthusiast • Derek’s Luft Shorts + Boxster first drive → @ElevenAfterNine #Porsche #Porsche911 #Luftgekühlt #PorscheLife #CarPodcast #RennthusiastRadio #PorscheOwnership #PorscheCulture #CarTalk #BlueRidgeParkway #PorscheCommunity #AirCooledPorsche #WaterCooledPorsche Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying a Porsche is the fun part—selling it? Not so much. In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will break down the right way to sell your Porsche without wasting time, money, or sanity. From prepping your car for sale, to pricing it correctly, to knowing whether PCA classifieds, Rennlist, Bring a Trailer, or Cars & Bids is the right platform—we’ve got you covered.We’ll share the mistakes we’ve seen sellers make (“testing the waters,” anyone?), how to present your Porsche with pro-level photos and videos, and the insider details buyers look for: PPIs, DME reports, binders of receipts, and even paint-meter readings.Whether you’re moving on from your first 911 or your tenth Cayenne, this episode is your playbook for selling smarter.Topics Covered:Why “testing the waters” turns buyers offWhere to list: PCA, Rennlist, BaT, Cars & Bids, Facebook MarketplacePricing strategies that actually workPhotos, videos, and presentation tips that sell carsReceipts, PPIs, and Porsche “nerd catnip” buyers loveWhen to pull the trigger and get the deal doneSubscribe to Rennthusiast Radio and ElevenAfterNine for real Porsche ownership talk, no fluff. #Porsche #RennthusiastRadio #Porsche911 #PorscheBoxster #PorscheCayman #PorscheLife #PorscheForSale #BringATrailer #CarsAndBids #Rennlist #PorscheCommunity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much does mileage really matter on a Porsche? This week on Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will dig into the age-old debate: Are you better off with a low-mileage “garage queen” or a high-mileage “driver” that’s been loved and used? We break down the psychology behind Porsche odometers, why some owners obsess over the 20k, 80k, and 100k milestones, and how value, condition, and maintenance all play into the equation.We also talk about: -Why some Porsches gain romance at 200k+ miles -The concept of “free Porsche miles” between 40k–80k -How older air-cooled cars vs newer water-cooled cars change the mileage conversation -Why EVs flip the script (miles vs charge cycles) -The balance between ROI and pure driving joyWhether you baby your 911, daily your Boxster, or are hunting for your first Porsche, this episode will change how you think about mileage.Subscribe for weekly Porsche talk 🎙️ Listen to the Rennthusiast Radio podcast everywhere you get podcasts 📸 Follow Derek on YouTube: ElevenAfterNine (https://www.youtube.com/@ElevenAfterNine) 📸 Follow Will on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rennthusiast#Porsche #Porsche911 #RennthusiastRadio #PorscheLife #GarageQueen #HighMileage #CarPodcast #PorscheCommunity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

997.2 vs 991.2 — which Porsche 911 is truly better?In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will put two modern Porsche icons head-to-head: the 2009–2012 997.2 Carrera S and the 2016–2019 991.2 Carrera S. We dig into the specs, the ownership realities, and most importantly, what it feels like behind the wheel.From size and weight to steering feel, NA vs turbo power delivery, interior design, and daily livability, this is the deep-dive debate enthusiasts have been waiting for. And just when you think it’s settled, Derek introduces a curveball!What we cover:Why the 997.2 is seen as the “last classic-sized” 911Hydraulic steering feel vs Porsche’s class-leading EPASNaturally aspirated vs turbocharged: which delivers more fun?Exhaust notes, pops & burbles, and sound characterInterior differences: simple and driver-focused vs tech-forwardDaily-driver comfort vs weekend “therapy drive” engagementThe 991.1 as a potential modern classic sleeper Which one would you choose: 997.2, 991.2, or 991.1? Let us know in the comments!Porsche 911, Porsche 997.2, Porsche 991.2, Porsche 991.1, Carrera S, 997 vs 991, Porsche buyers guide, Porsche comparison, hydraulic steering, NA vs turbo, Rennthusiast Radio, Porsche ownership#Porsche #Porsche911 #997 #991 #RennthusiastRadio #PorscheLife #PorscheComparison Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Porsche Macan GTS a better alternative than a 911? In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Will and Derek dive into Porsche’s best-selling model and ask the big question: can a 2021 Macan GTS deliver the excitement, character, and sense of occasion we usually expect from a 911?Will shares the full story of his new Chalk/Bordeaux Macan GTS — from almost buying the wrong CPO example to landing the perfect spec — and explains why this Porsche hot hatch might just be the smartest buy in the lineup. Derek brings the facts, history, and context: the Macan’s “Cajun” origins, why Porsche built it, and how it compares against the Cayenne and 911 in terms of driving feel, practicality, and ownership.We cover everything from reliability and CPO pitfalls, to what makes the GTS trim special, to the real-world daily driver vs. sports car debate. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Macan GTS can stand toe-to-toe with the legendary 911 — or if it’s the perfect second Porsche — this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. Drop a comment: Would you daily a Macan GTS, or is the 911 always the answer?#Porsche #MacanGTS #PorscheMacan #Porsche911 #RennthusiastRadio #PorscheLife #PorscheFamily #PorscheDailyDriver #PorscheOwnership #PorscheCommunity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stock vs. Reimagined: When Mods Make (and Break) a PorscheIn this week’s episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will dive deep into the world of Porsche modifications. From legendary reimaginings like Singer, Ruf, and Gunther Werks to hardcore engine builds from DeMan Motorsports, we ask the big question: do these mods actually make a Porsche better—or do they break what made it great in the first place?We share our own experiences with over-modding, un-modding, and living with cars that have been pushed far beyond factory spec. From GT4s and Spyders to classic 911s, we cover:Why some mods add character while others kill balanceThe reality of losing money on heavily modified carsWhether big-dollar reimagined Porsches are worth the priceWhy suspension might be the only “essential” upgradeHow personal taste vs. resale value collides in the Porsche worldIf you’ve ever debated going all-in on mods, dreamed about owning a Singer, or wondered whether stock is secretly best, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to subscribe for more Porsche stories, ownership insights, and hard-earned lessons from two serial Porsche owners.#Porsche #Singer #Ruf #DeManMotorsports #PorscheGT4 #PorscheMods #RennthusiastRadio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Rennthusiast Radio, Derek flies solo while Will recovers from minor shoulder surgery. To keep the momentum going, we’re pulling one of our most popular episodes from the archives — all about the essential Porsche modifications that truly make a difference in performance, drivability, and even resale value.Before jumping in, Derek shares updates from both YouTube channels:Will’s latest video on upgrading the exhaust of his Guards Red 997.2 with a Darren Pfister system from FD Motorsports, transforming the car’s famously muted sound into something far more exciting.Derek’s deep dive into the incredible Deman GT4 build, where Rick Deman takes a Cayman GT4 to the next level with a 4.5L engine upgrade, shorter gearing, and a visceral, almost air-cooled muscle-car feel.Plus, Derek teases what’s coming soon: Will’s two (!) new Porsches, more GT4 talk, and Derek’s impressions after driving a 992.1 Carrera T — a car Will once sold quickly, but Derek found surprisingly enjoyable.Whether you’re a new listener or a long-time Porsche enthusiast, this episode revisits one of our most practical and fan-favorite discussions: the best mods to unlock the true soul of your Porsche. Don’t forget to subscribe to Rennthusiast Radio here on YouTube, check out Will’s channel Rennthusiast, and Derek’s channel ElevenAfterNine for more Porsche reviews, builds, and stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Porsche options are actually worth it — and which ones are total gimmicks? In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Will and Derek go head-to-head on some of the most controversial Porsche features. From nose lift systems and rear-wheel steering to glass sunroofs, convertibles, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), we debate whether these options enhance the Porsche experience or just drain your wallet.We also dive into hot-button extras like Sport Chrono, PCCB carbon brakes, and more — separating the must-haves from the overhyped. Whether you’re building your dream Porsche on the configurator, shopping pre-owned, or just daydreaming about the perfect 911, this episode will help you decide what’s worth ticking on the order sheet (and what to skip). What Porsche options do you think are worth it? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’ll feature some of your takes in future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes Porsche’s GT cars so addictive? In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will dive deep into the world of Porsche’s most celebrated machines — the GT3, GT4, GT2, and Boxster Spyder — and uncover what truly sets them apart from the rest of the lineup.From the origins of the GT program and the legendary Mezger engine to the modern-day magic of the 4.0-liter flat-six, they explore why these cars have a cult following, how they balance raw performance with emotional appeal, and what it’s actually like to live with one every day.Along the way, they compare GT4 vs. Boxster Spyder ownership, talk about whether the GTS is a “GT car” in spirit, and share personal stories from Will’s multiple GT4s and Derek’s time in some of Porsche’s most sought-after models. Plus, Derek reveals his experience with a Deman Cayman build that pushes the GT formula to the extreme.If you’ve ever wondered whether a Porsche GT car is worth the hype, or which one fits your driving life best, this is your inside look at the cars everyone wants but few truly understand.Keywords: Porsche GT3, Porsche GT4, Porsche GT2, Porsche Boxster Spyder, Porsche GTS, Porsche GT cars, Porsche GT ownership, Porsche GT daily driver, Rennthusiast Radio, ElevenAfterNine, Porsche Cayman GT4 review, Porsche GT3 vs GT4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, hosts Will and Derek delve into the fascinating world of Porsche colors, discussing how color impacts car value, the importance of condition over color, and the allure of unique shades. They explore the concept of Paint to Sample (PTS), the significance of interior colors, and personal preferences in car aesthetics. The conversation also touches on the challenges of matte finishes and the evolving trends in car colors, concluding with insights on how to approach buying and selling cars based on color and condition.TakeawaysColor has a significant impact on the value of a Porsche.Condition should often take precedence over color when purchasing a car.Unique colors can bring joy but may come with hidden costs.Taste in car colors can evolve over time.Paint to Sample (PTS) allows for unique customization but can be costly.Interior color choices can enhance or detract from the overall aesthetic.Garage aesthetics matter; color coordination can be a source of joy.Wrapping cars can be a way to change color but may complicate resale.Matte finishes present unique challenges in maintenance and repair.The market for car colors is cyclical; unpopular colors can become desirable. KeywordsPorsche, car colors, paint to sample, car value, color preference, automotive aesthetics, Porsche enthusiasts, car collecting, interior colors, matte finishes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Will says goodbye to his beloved 2006 Lapis Blue Porsche 987 Boxster. But before it goes, he shares five key lessons from owning what might be Porsche’s most underrated sports car. From daily driving joy to IMS worries that never materialized, this is a deep dive into what makes the base Boxster special—and why it just might be the smartest Porsche buy out there.Derek and Will also discuss Will’s surprise GT4 purchase and give first impressions of the 2024 Porsche Macan loaner that showed up while he waits for delivery of his new Macan GTS.Whether you’re considering your first Porsche or just want to know if a base Boxster is still worth it in 2025, this is one you won’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Will and Derek dive deep into their Porsche ownership experiences—comparing the Cayenne and Macan for daily duty, unpacking Will’s decision to buy a Macan GTS, and exploring what it's really like to daily drive a 991.2 Carrera S. They also get into the nitty gritty of content creation, car color choices and their impact on resale, and why buying a CPO Porsche can be a smart move. From mountain roads to city commutes, they reflect on what makes modern Porsches so engaging—and how owning multiple Porsches adds variety to the enthusiast experience.🔑 Keywords: Porsche, 991.2, Macan, Cayenne, GTS, daily driving, car enthusiast, content creation, car colors, CPO cars💡 Key Takeaways:The Cayenne and Macan offer distinct daily driving personalitiesHigh-mileage cars can be worthwhile—especially with warranty coverageCar color choices can impact long-term valueDailying a 911 is more practical than many thinkContent creation takes passion and consistencyEven larger Porsches maintain rewarding driving dynamicsCPO programs give buyers added confidenceThe Macan GTS hits a sweet spot between comfort and funDriving in the mountains brings out the best in any PorscheMultiple Porsches = multiple ways to enjoy the brandDrop your thoughts in the comments—do you daily your 911? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking of buying a Porsche but worried about mileage? Think again. In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek dives deep into why high-mileage Porsches might just be the best-kept secret in the enthusiast world. From value to reliability, we explore why these “well-loved” cars could offer more smiles per dollar than you think.Then, stick around for a special replay of Porsche mechanic Eric Lind, who shares his must-know Dos and Don’ts for Porsche ownership. Whether you're wrenching yourself or heading to the shop, his advice could save you money, time, and headaches. Perfect for first-time buyers, budget-minded enthusiasts, or anyone who thinks 100K+ miles is the end of the road. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re diving back into one of our most controversial episodes — The 8 Worst Mods You Can Make to Your Porsche. Whether you're new to the brand or a seasoned enthusiast, we break down the upgrades that do more harm than good — from tacky cosmetic choices to performance mods that kill drivability or value. It’s all here, with our usual blend of experience, humor, and brutal honesty.If you love Porsches but hate seeing them ruined, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Renthusiast Radio, we’re bringing back one of our favorite (and most viral) episodes — a tongue-in-cheek but all-too-real look at the seven types of Porsche owners you should avoid becoming. Whether you're a seasoned 911 lifer, a proud Boxster fan, or new to the brand entirely, this one’s going to make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even reflect a bit.Will and Derek dig into each personality type—from the Scaredy Cat who’s afraid to drive their car, to the Model Snob, the Boy Racer, the Controller, and even the Online Troll. If you’ve spent time in the Porsche community, you’ve definitely met at least one of these people. Heck, maybe you are one of them (it’s okay… we’ve all been there).⚠️ This episode is all about keeping the Porsche hobby fun, inclusive, and real.🔧 In This Episode:Why some Porsche owners refuse to drive their carsGatekeeping in the Porsche communityThe snobbery that still exists across models (yes, even 996s)Bad behavior on group drivesThe shady side of flipping and price policingA beautiful reminder of what owning a Porsche should feel like💡 Inspired by Will’s viral YouTube video and a great concept from watch collector Teddy Baldassarre, this episode is a mix of humor, real talk, and a heartfelt reminder to be the kind of enthusiast who makes the community better.📺 Watch More on YouTube:Subscribe to Renthusiast Radio on YouTube for full episodesFollow Derek’s channel ElevenAfterNine for deep dives, reviews, and Porsche stories🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms. 👍 Like, comment, and hit subscribe to stay up to date. ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more than you know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cayenne vs. Macan: Which Porsche SUV Should You Really Buy?In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Will and Derek dive deep into the Porsche SUV dilemma — should you buy a used Cayenne for under $20K or spend more for a newer Macan? They explore the real-world costs of ownership, common reliability issues, and how the used Porsche market has shifted post-COVID.You’ll hear personal experiences, sharp negotiation strategies, and honest takes on what makes each SUV appealing — or potentially dangerous to your wallet. Whether you’re a seasoned Porsche enthusiast or just entering the world of high-performance SUVs, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Don’t forget to subscribe to Rennthusiast Radio and Derek's YouTube channel ElevenAfterNine for more real talk, Porsche buying guides, and ownership stories. Topics Covered:The best Porsche SUV under $20K?Maintenance nightmares or hidden gems?Market trends and inflated pricesEmotional vs rational car buyingNegotiating like a Porsche proJoin the debate. Which would you choose — Cayenne or Macan? Let us know in the comments!#Porsche #Cayenne #Macan #UsedCars #CarBuying #PorscheSUV #RennthusiastRadio #ElevenAfterNine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think Porsche only makes sports cars? Think again. In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will pull back the curtain on Porsche’s most controversial and misunderstood models—the four-doors. From the Cayenne that saved the brand to the Panamera that blends speed with luxury, and the wildly popular Macan, we reveal what makes these cars special... and where they fall short.We break down:The secret history behind the Cayenne’s successWhy the Panamera might be the best-used luxury deal todayWhich model to avoid if you hate expensive repairsAnd whether these four-door Porsches have real soulIf you're a diehard 911 fan or just looking for a Porsche that fits real life, this episode is for you.Hit the comments and tell us—would you daily a four-door Porsche? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What’s Actually Worth Upgrading on Your Car?In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will dig deep into the world of car modifications, weighing the pros and cons of OEM parts versus aftermarket upgrades. From steering wheel replacements and exhaust systems to short shift kits and audio upgrades, they share personal stories, costly lessons, and what they wish they knew before diving in.You’ll hear:Which mods truly enhance performance or driving experienceWhere safety concerns should override cost savingsHow aftermarket parts can affect resale valueWhy some cosmetic upgrades are a waste—and others are game-changersReal talk on community feedback, research, and avoiding regretIf you're modding your Porsche or any enthusiast car, this is the episode to hear first.Have a mod story? Drop it in the comments—good or bad—we might feature it in a future episode!—Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Rennthusiast Radio.Also check out on Derek's other channel: ElevenAfterNine#carmods #OEMvsAftermarket #PorscheMods #shortshiftkit #carenthusiast #exhaustupgrade #automotivetech #carupgrades #rennthusiast #aftermarketparts #porschelife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.