In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Seeking refuge from Texas summer heat? Join us as we uncover the most spectacular swimming holes and natural pools scattered across the Lone Star State. From the iconic Barton Springs Pool in Austin, where 68-degree spring-fed waters provide year-round relief, to the emerald paradise of Wimberley's Blue Hole nestled among towering cypress trees, we've mapped the perfect aquatic escape plan regardless of where your Texas travels take you.Discover hidden gems like Hamilton Pool Preserve with its collapsed grotto and 50-foot waterfall, or venture to Balmorhea State Park in West Texas, home to the state's largest spring-fed swimming pool holding a staggering 3.5 million gallons of crystal-clear water. Whether you're looking for family-friendly destinations like Schlitterbahn's 70-acre water wonderland or the nostalgic charm of Deep Eddy Pool (Texas' oldest man-made swimming spot), we've got refreshing recommendations that combine natural beauty with cooling comfort.The conversat

The triumphant return of the HEMI V8 engine to Ram trucks headlines this information-packed episode featuring Nick Cappa, Ram Trucks Communications Manager. Customer demand has spoken loudly, bringing back this iconic powerplant that so many truck enthusiasts crave for its distinctive sound, predictable torque, and authentic driving experience.Ram isn't simply reintroducing the HEMI—they're enhancing it with valuable additions including the eTorque mild hybrid system for improved efficiency, a specially tuned exhaust system that amplifies that beloved V8 rumble, and a generous 33-gallon fuel tank for extended range. The response has been overwhelming, with dealer orders quickly reaching allocation limits, demonstrating the passionate following this engine commands.While celebrating the HEMI's comeback, Ram maintains its forward-thinking approach with the impressive Hurricane engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six producing up to 540 horsepower in its high-output configuration. This engineeri

Ever wonder what happens when engineering goes too far? That's the question we tackle head-on as we dive into Chevrolet's most extreme creation yet - the 2026 Corvette ZR1X. With a jaw-dropping 1,250 horsepower and the ability to hit 60 mph in under two seconds, this electrified beast pushes boundaries in ways that left us asking "why?" and "for whom?" Our spirited debate explores the fascinating intersection of automotive excess and genuine innovation. Is this twin-turbo V8 hybrid merely an engineering flex to compete with European exotics like Ferrari and McLaren, or does it represent meaningful advancement in performance technology? The answer, we discover, lies somewhere in the tension between racing-derived technology and practical application.For those seeking something more aligned with real-world needs, our comprehensive review of the 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country offers a compelling alternative. This rolling home on wheels showcases impressive evolution with its 3

Scott Ingram's orange 1932 Ford coupe gleams in the Texas sun, but this isn't some pampered show car – it's traveled 350,000 miles over 57 years and counting. As one of the seven original founders of the Lone Star Street Rod Association, 78-year-old Scott embodies the true spirit of hot rodding: build it, drive it, enjoy it."I've been coast to coast, border to border," Scott explains with evident pride, recalling adventures from deer hunting trips to cross-country journeys. When asked if he'd ever part with his beloved '32, his answer comes without hesitation: "I'll give it away before I sell it. It's not for sale." This isn't just transportation – it's family.Beyond his street rod, Scott's technical expertise shines when discussing his nitro-fueled front-engine dragster powered by a heavily modified flathead Ford. The numbers are staggering: 317 cubic inches producing 554 horsepower. "It's good for one thing – going down the

Tucked away just over an hour from Dallas-Fort Worth lies Granbury, Texas – a lakeside town that's become something of a well-kept secret among travelers seeking authentic Texas charm without the crowds. Our broadcast from the Lone Star Street Rod Association's 50th anniversary state run reveals why this hidden gem has earned the official designation as the "Celebration Capital of Texas."Kristen Gibson from the Granbury Convention and Visitors Bureau joins us to share what makes this town special, from its historic downtown square and restored Nuthouse Hotel to the free weekend trolley service that connects major attractions. With over 40 events annually, Granbury has mastered the art of celebration while maintaining its small-town hospitality. Car enthusiasts particularly appreciate how the entire town embraces automotive events, with hotels and restaurants fully prepared for their arrival.Beyond cars, Granbury offers unexpected delights like an intimate 200-seat concert venue housed in a

When classic car lovers gather, stories flow as freely as chrome gleams in the Texas sun. From the Lone Star Street Rod Association's 50th Anniversary celebration in Granbury, we discover the human connections behind these metal masterpieces.Meet Danon Hollinger, who grew up with hot rod magazine fold-outs on her bedroom headboard instead of pop stars. Her gorgeous white 1978 Pontiac Trans Am represents a lifelong dream fulfilled. After years of waiting, she found this beauty through a car club connection – a vehicle with its own poignant history, having been restored for a son who suffered an accident and could no longer drive it. Danon and her husband transformed it with a Tremec five-speed transmission to keep pace with their Houston-area car club on cruises across the country.Then there's Larry Davidson's showstopping 1960 Ford Ranch Wagon – a chrome-laden masterpiece in striking blue. Originally purchased on eBay while searching for something completely different, Larry explains how statio

Hot rods, salt flats, and the sweet sound of engines revving—welcome to a special episode of the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show, broadcast live from the 50th anniversary of the Lone Star Street Rod Association State Run in Granbury, Texas.The centerpiece of our show features Don Grouleff and his remarkable Model A hot rod, emblazoned with the racing number 731. Don's story captivates as he recounts pushing this classic Ford to a breathtaking 196 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. With a twinkle in his eye, Don shares how he once spun backward through the timing lights at nearly 190 mph—and still set a speed record. His vintage hot rod, featuring kingpin suspension and an old-school Muncie M-22 four-speed transmission, represents the perfect marriage of traditional aesthetics and high-performance engineering.Don's journey from crop duster pilot to speed enthusiast offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset required for both professions. After 35 years flying dangerously close to power lines and terrai

The rumble of engines, gleaming chrome, and stories spanning generations fill the air as we broadcast live from the Lone Star Street Rod Association's 50th Anniversary State Run in Granbury, Texas. Father's Day weekend provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of automotive passion that bridges past and present.Our first guest, Steven Rogers, exemplifies this connection with his beloved 1966 Chevrolet truck. For 31 years, this vehicle has been his constant companion – from high school daily driver to weekend cruiser. "It was in good shape when we got it. We've done things to it along the way," he shares, detailing upgrades from the original 283 engine to a 350 small block and the addition of an overdrive transmission to better handle modern highway speeds. What makes Rogers' story particularly poignant is how he's successfully passed his passion to his teenage children, who now eagerly anticipate this annual gathering.Between guests, we explore the fascinating histo

Step into the high-octane world of automotive excellence as we go behind the scenes with Gary Peterson, President of Shelby American. From the company's iconic Las Vegas facility, Peterson reveals the meticulous process of transforming standard Ford Mustangs into 810-horsepower Shelby GT350s that carry the legacy of Carroll Shelby's performance philosophy."We take a fairly regular or ordinary car and make it spectacular," Peterson explains, detailing how each $110,000 Shelby GT350 receives a custom aluminum hood with functional vents, a 3-liter Whipple supercharger, and unique interior touches that set it apart from standard Mustangs. Every vehicle carries a registered Shelby serial number to protect authenticity and investment value – a testament to the company's commitment to excellence since 1962.What makes these vehicles truly remarkable isn't just their breathtaking performance, but their everyday practicality. Despite supercar-level horsepower, each comes with a three-year

Mike Mueller's passion for America's sports car radiates throughout our conversation about his newly released fifth edition of "The Complete Book of Corvette." Weighing in at a hefty 15 pounds and spanning 352 pages of stunning photography and detailed history, this comprehensive volume tracks the complete evolution of Corvette from its earliest days through the latest C8 models.What makes this book truly special isn't just the technical specifications or beautiful imagery—it's the human stories woven throughout. Mueller shares personal anecdotes about meeting Corvette legends, including his memorable encounter with Zora Arkus-Duntov at the 1994 grand opening of the Corvette Museum. "These aren't just cars," Mueller reminds us. "These are cars designed and built by men and women... and Corvette is a prime example."The interview offers fascinating glimpses into automotive publishing, from Mueller's journalism beginnings at the University of Illinois t

Ready for a driving adventure that combines family fun with hair-raising curves? Buckle up as we journey through Texas Hill Country to discover the legendary "Twisted Sisters" – a 100-mile loop featuring a breathtaking 15-mile stretch packed with 65 challenging curves. This driving paradise begins in Medina and winds through Leakey, offering spectacular vistas and thrilling hairpin turns that have made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and motorcyclists alike.The surrounding Hill Country isn't just for gearheads though. We explore family-friendly destinations including Garner State Park's 1,700 acres with 2.9 miles of the Frio River for floating and fishing, plus 16 miles of hiking trails. Nearby Hill Country State Natural Area offers 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Don't miss the mysteriously named "Cave with No Name" near Boerne – a limestone cavern deemed too beautiful to name when opened to the public in 1939.We also dive into the fasci

Imagine transforming what used to take hours or even days of travel research into mere seconds. That's exactly what Scott Lengel and his team at AdventureGenie are doing with their revolutionary AI-powered trip planning tool designed specifically for RV travelers and road trip enthusiasts.Scott joins the In Wheel Time podcast to unveil how AdventureGenie creates personalized travel experiences that feel tailor-made. "Take a six-week trip from South Carolina to the national parks of Utah," Scott explains, and within seconds, the platform generates a complete itinerary with optimized routes, ideal campground stays matched to your specific rig requirements, and activities aligned with your interests—whether that's hiking, biking, sampling local barbecue, or discovering craft breweries.What makes AdventureGenie particularly valuable is its deep integration with essential travel services. Users can rent RVs directly through RV Share integration, book campgrounds within the platform, and even ac

Ford's Vice Chair John Lawler recently dropped a bombshell that's sent ripples through the automotive world: combustion engines will no longer be brand differentiators and automakers will increasingly source them from suppliers to stay competitive against low-cost rivals, particularly from China.For generations, car manufacturers have built their identities around their signature powertrains – Ford's EcoBoost, Chrysler's HEMI, Chevy's small-block V8s – engines that enthusiasts could identify by sound alone. But according to Lawler, "consumers don't really think about powertrains the way they did 30 years ago." The shift toward hybridization has already begun stripping away the unique characteristics of combustion engines as electric motors increasingly provide power boosts and emission reductions.We dubbed this the "skateboard effect" – the standardization that began with electric vehicles is now creeping into traditional combustion engine territory. This rais

What makes a Porsche feel unlike any other car on the road? That's the question we explore with automotive author Randy Leffingwell as he joins us to discuss his definitive work, "Porsche 911: Every Model Since 1964." In this fascinating conversation, Randy shares how his lifelong passion for these iconic German sports cars began with his uncle's Porsche Speedster and eventually led to unprecedented access to Porsche's archives, testing facilities, and engineering teams.Randy takes us behind the scenes of Porsche's legendary development process at their Vysok facility, where cars are subjected to punishing tests until components fail—only to be strengthened and tested again. We learn about the infamous "ruttel stroker" track that simulates earthquake-damaged cobblestone streets and features a jump that launches vehicles into the air. This relentless pursuit of perfection helps explain why Porsche's handling and performance characteristics feel so distinctive compar

Dive into the surprising economics of grassroots motorsports as we uncover a factory stock race offering an astonishing $30,000 to win, attracting 137 entries from across the region. Our special guest Rodney Rodriguez, track announcer extraordinaire, breaks down how these seemingly "affordable" race cars have evolved into sophisticated machines costing upwards of $30,000 despite rules designed to keep competition accessible.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we explore the tension between racing tradition and modern broadcasting as NASCAR's move to Amazon Prime raises questions about accessibility. Should certain iconic races remain available to everyone? Our hosts passionately argue that racing's crown jewel events represent cultural touchstones that transcend streaming subscriptions.For automotive enthusiasts, our comprehensive review of the 2025 Dodge Durango R/T highlights this muscle SUV's enduring appeal despite its aging platform. With 360 horsepower from its 5.7-li

Ever wonder why some people don't move for ambulances? Or what makes Port Aransas the perfect beach getaway? Or perhaps why the Dodge Durango still commands respect after 14 years with the same design? We tackle all these questions and more in this fascinating exploration of automotive culture and travel destinations.We kick things off with a detailed breakdown of ambulance manufacturing and classification. These life-saving vehicles are constructed in two distinct phases by different manufacturers - from the initial chassis to the specialized emergency equipment integration. The four types of ambulances in the United States each serve specific purposes, from advanced life support to patient transfers. And yes, before modern ambulances, converted Buick and Pontiac station wagons served as emergency transport, with medics hunched over in cramped quarters. Our passionate reminder: when you see those flashing lights, move aside immediately - someone's life literally depends on your actions.Looking for

Ever wondered what car you should buy for your teen driver? The latest US News and World Report rankings have just been released, and they're packed with surprises that might change how you approach this important decision.During our conversation with Zach Doell from US News, we uncovered the fascinating dominance of Hyundai in the 2025 Best Cars for Teens rankings. With six models making the list across both new and used categories, the Korean automaker has clearly mastered the delicate balance of safety, affordability, and reliability that parents prioritize when shopping for their teens.The rankings revealed that today's entry-level vehicles offer far more than their modest price tags suggest. Take the Kia Soul, starting at just $20,000 with advanced safety features that were luxury exclusives just a decade ago. As Zach explained, "Basic has changed." Today's affordable models come standard with potentially life-saving technology like automatic emergency braking and forward collisi

The humble manual transmission is quietly disappearing from American roads, and most drivers haven't even noticed. Nissan recently halted production of manual transmission Versa for the US market, effectively ending America's last five-speed manual econobox. With fewer than 5% of buyers choosing the stick shift option and automatic transmissions now delivering superior fuel economy (35 mpg vs 30 mpg), the writing is on the wall for the beloved manual gearbox.We explore the technological evolution that's made this possible, from the inefficient two-speed "slush-o-matics" of the 1960s to today's sophisticated multi-speed automatics that shift faster than any human could. The manufacturing complexities of offering both transmission types create additional challenges for automakers already struggling with integration of modern safety features and hybrid powertrains.Our personal experiences with manual transmissions spark a nostalgic conversation about learning to drive stick and the

The electric vehicle revolution may be hitting a roadblock. Auto expert Jack Nerad joins us to unpack why we might have already reached "peak EV" in the American market. With gas prices low in most states and consumer interest waning, Nerad explains why the billions invested by certain automakers in all-electric futures may have been premature.Diving into the recent Senate vote to block California's 2035 gas vehicle ban, we examine how this regulatory shift could reshape automotive manufacturing priorities across the industry. The conversation highlights how Toyota and Honda, once criticized for "dragging their feet" on electrification, may have been following the smarter strategy all along.Beyond the EV discussion, we tackle the affordability crisis sweeping through the automotive market. With average new car prices hovering around $49,000 and the annual cost of vehicle ownership exceeding $12,000, many Americans find themselves priced out of new car purchases entirely. Nerad shares

What makes a classic car collectible? Is it rarity, performance, or simply being in the right place at the right market moment? Our Birthday Weekend Special dives deep into these questions through a fascinating exploration of automotive unicorns – those vehicles that almost made history but vanished before their time.The episode kicks off with our traditional roundup of automotive recalls, highlighting how even today's advanced vehicles continue to face fundamental engineering challenges. From loose fasteners in Ford F-150s to improperly welded head restraints in GM vans, these safety concerns connect modern manufacturing issues to historical quality control – a perfect segue into our main segments.The heart of our show features two complementary explorations of automotive rarity and value. First, our popular "Sold Cars Roundup" delivers surprising revelations about the classic car market as we guess auction prices from Hemmings.com. Discover why a pristine '69 Corvette commands $46,000 wh