CX-5 gets a turbocharged 2.5L gas engine!

[MikeM.]

But there are cases where stabbing stuff is the way to go. (rally driving, and some cases on a racetrack)
For example, check out how Mr. Ayrton Senna goes through the corner at 1:27
https://youtu.be/8By2AEsGAhU?t=1m27s

I would say he's "stabbing" the throttle. I would also say it looks like he found the fastest way to get that car around those corners.

My conclusion: smooth is not always fastest. But I am a big fan of smooth (right up until smooth isn't the right tool for the job at hand).