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 last

This 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: @ElevenAfterNine

Follow Zack’s new show: @TheSmokingTire & Driver’s Test on YouTube

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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-off

Listen 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

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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 ownership
• The hidden costs (taxes, insurance, PPIs, must-dos vs. nice-to-dos)
• Why ceramic and PPF are often sunk costs
• The ethics of selling and what it means to be a good steward
• Why breaking even might actually mean you’re winning

So 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

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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 off
• Where to list: PCA, Rennlist, BaT, Cars & Bids, Facebook Marketplace
• Pricing strategies that actually work
• Photos, videos, and presentation tips that sell cars
• Receipts, PPIs, and Porsche “nerd catnip” buyers love
• When to pull the trigger and get the deal done

Subscribe to Rennthusiast Radio and ElevenAfterNine for real Porsche ownership talk, no fluff.

#Porsche #RennthusiastRadio #Porsche911 #PorscheBoxster #PorscheCayman #PorscheLife #PorscheForSale #BringATrailer #CarsAndBids #Rennlist #PorscheCommunity

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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 joy

Whether 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

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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” 911
• Hydraulic steering feel vs Porsche’s class-leading EPAS
• Naturally aspirated vs turbocharged: which delivers more fun?
• Exhaust notes, pops & burbles, and sound character
• Interior differences: simple and driver-focused vs tech-forward
• Daily-driver comfort vs weekend “therapy drive” engagement
• The 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

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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

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Stock vs. Reimagined: When Mods Make (and Break) a Porsche

In 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 balance
• The reality of losing money on heavily modified cars
• Whether big-dollar reimagined Porsches are worth the price
• Why suspension might be the only “essential” upgrade
• How personal taste vs. resale value collides in the Porsche world

If 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

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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.

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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.

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