In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Start with a promise and test it hard: can a premium three-row actually balance comfort, capability, and value without resorting to gimmicks? We put the 2025 Infiniti QX60 through its paces, calling out the crisp front-end design, tight third row, and the surprising 6,000-pound tow rating that turns a modest 2.0L turbo into a legit weekend hauler. We share the wins you feel every day—quiet ride, simple infotainment, smart headrest speakers—and the misses that matter, like noticeable turbo lag and a transmission that sometimes feels a step behind.From there, we pivot to ownership smarts with a sharp shortlist of cars that make DIY maintenance less painful and more affordable. If you’re building confidence with a torque wrench, models like the Toyota Corolla and Camry, Kia Rio, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Silverado (’03–’07), and Mazda MX-5 Miata deliver easy access, plentiful parts, and proven reliability. We explain why access matters more than horsepower when you’re replacing plugs, belts, and brakes in the driv

Big recalls, bigger questions, and a lineup of can’t-miss car events—this week’s show brings the garage, the newsroom, and the car meet together. We start with a clear-eyed look at current safety recalls touching seat belt integrity, instrument panel failures, fuel leaks, and high-voltage battery risks. Then we unpack a stunning manufacturing misstep that may have mixed spare and production wheels, raising the stakes on quality control and why plant processes matter to everyday drivers.From the driveway, we share a painfully relatable DIY saga: changing a “simple” headlight that required removing the bumper and grille, only to discover hybrid LED-halogen setups and per-side fuses. It’s a snapshot of modern car complexity and a reminder to verify parts, wiring, and fuse maps before diving in. If you’ve wrestled with CAN-bus quirks, you’ll feel seen.Performance fans get fresh ammo for the eternal engine debate. Dodge’s Charger Scat Pack is moving to the Hurricane inline-six, promising big power, strong torque,

What truly changed at Le Mans when the 2000s began—and why did teams abandon open cockpits just as speeds stayed sky high? We invited author and photographer John Brooks to walk us through the decade he chronicles in Le Mans: The Official History 2000–2009, and his trackside vantage point delivers a rare blend of technical clarity and human detail. From Audi’s R8 and R10 TDI era to Peugeot’s blistering 908, we explore how diesel power, aero efficiency, and rule changes made reliability the ultimate performance edge.John pulls back the curtain on the engineering trade-offs that redefined endurance racing: the gains in safety that came with closed cockpits, the pit stop calculations that win 24-hour fights, and the unsung collaboration between European operations and American squads like Champion Racing. He also shares how he inherited the official history project from the legendary Quentin Spurring, why the 2000–2009 window stands on its own, and how writing the story with his own photographs turns a coffee-ta

A dealership website script shouldn’t be the key to your car. Yet that’s exactly what one security researcher demonstrated on a DEF CON stage, turning a forgotten corner of a portal into national-level access that could unlock vehicles, view customer data, and send remote commands. We dig into what that means for drivers, dealers, and automakers now that the family SUV doubles as a rolling endpoint connected to clouds, APIs, and third-party tools.We walk through the chain of weak links—subdomains, misconfigured permissions, app integrations—and explain why dealer networks can become the soft underbelly of an automaker’s security. Then we turn to the flipside of software-defined cars: when an over-the-air update breaks a feature people rely on. A new Tahoe’s built-in garage door opener stopped working post-update, and the finger-pointing that followed shows how support and testing must evolve. Convenience only works when reliability does too.Safety headlines round out the reality check. From a Kia K5 fuel-syst

What happens when a family heirloom gets a NASCAR heart and a date with a mountain? We brought Richard Tomlin of Apex Auto Works on to share the full story of transforming a 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner into a Pike’s Peak contender by setting the classic body over a stretched NASCAR truck chassis and dropping in a Mopar R5 P7 that sings to 9,500 RPM. The road to SEMA almost ended on the shoulder after a tow rig failure, but with help from racers and friends the car made a prime debut and drew a crowd that wanted every detail—how it was built, why it matters, and where it’s headed next.We dig into the engineering: cutting and adding four inches to match the B-body wheelbase, aligning the shell, using NASCAR-style ride height adjusters, and balancing street presence with a proper cage, race seats, and belts. Then we climb into the thin-air problem. Pike’s Peak starts near 8,000 feet and finishes above 14,000, so we talk mid-altitude tuning targets, power loss on NA engines, and a throwback solution—variable jetting

Some faces you can’t forget. We kick off with a sharp, entertaining tour of automotive front ends that sparked love, hate, and head-scratching in equal measure—from the Jeep Cherokee KL’s split lighting and the Lincoln MKT’s controversial split wing to the Dodge Nitro’s gym-bro stance and the Chevy SSR’s retro grin. The thread through all of them is clear: when the nose leads the story, it can amplify a car’s character or drown out everything it does well.Then we pivot to a grounded, detail-rich review of the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer in its two-row electric 4xe configuration. We break down the sleek seven-slot grill, the long-wheelbase proportions, and a cabin that feels more expensive than the price tag suggests. Think full-length dash, integrated displays, ambient lighting, and upscale seating that deliver daily comfort without forcing a third row. On the road, direct-drive electric power brings up to 600 horsepower potential, stout torque, and an up-to-300-mile range target, with the quiet, planted ride you’d ex

EVs can feel like a battlefield of headlines and hot takes, so we put the rhetoric aside and dig into what actually matters on the road: incentives, charging reality, range you can trust, and the freedom to choose what fits your life. We start with a clear-eyed look at Honda’s massive EV write-down and a supplier lawsuit tied to a delayed electric pickup, then unpack how policy nudges, mandates, and market signals collide to shape buyer behavior. No cheerleading, no doom—just what’s changing, what isn’t, and the trade-offs drivers face today.From there, we go wheels-on-the-ground with a Texas road trip designed to push limits. Big Bend’s 235-mile gap between chargers, the relief of a 460-mile electric truck, and the surprising power of simple planning all come into play. We share practical tactics to stretch range, the underrated advantage of charging overnight at RV pedestals in state parks, and the candid truth about 30-minute fast charges that can derail a tight schedule. If you value convenience, this par

Missed calls, rotary phones, and a trooper who can’t quite get a signal set the tone for a lively ride through today’s car world. We open with a burst of nostalgia—remember the “finger stop” on a dial phone?—then shift gears into the realities drivers face right now: inspection changes, mid-year law updates, and why some rules never match the rhythm of real life. From there, we pull back the curtain on dealership dynamics in smaller markets and the incentives that shape where families plant their flags and expand their rooftops.The big industry turn lands with Amazon Autos: Ford dealers can now sell certified pre-owned vehicles on Amazon, complete with financing, warranties, and return windows. It’s a customer journey built for 2025—transparent pricing, nearby inventory, and a checkout that feels as familiar as buying a blender. We also get candid about DIY repair in the age of sealed modules. One headlight swap becomes a full bumper removal and a surprise hybrid of halogen and LED, exposing the gap between w

Toyota just redrew its playbook, and we’re unpacking the boldest moves: Century stepping into bespoke ultra-luxury, Lexus getting room to grow, Daihatsu anchoring the entry tier, and GR leveling up from a badge to a performance brand with a rumored GRGT supercar. We break down how this five-brand architecture could reshape showrooms, challenge dealer agreements, and influence what you’ll actually be able to buy next year.From there, we pivot to the realities of ownership with a rapid-fire recall rundown: Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe engines flagged for sand contamination and fire risk, a sweeping Lexus rearview camera fix, Kia spare tire mismatches, and BMW airbag inflator concerns. We share practical steps to navigate NHTSA notices, verify parts, and protect your safety and resale value without losing a weekend to service limbo.For a change of pace, we play our sold-cars price game and get schooled by a stunning 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible that crushed expectations, proving that the right sp

What happens when a championship chase runs straight into a mechanical gut punch—and the family still finds a way to win big? We sit down with Jerry Emmons to unpack a season that had everything: a Division IV Stock Eliminator title, finals against his own nephews, and a Sunday triumph in Dallas that marked his 20th national event win. The story isn’t just about trophies; it’s about how a lost-boost hauler turned a cross-country push into a hard reset, and how a family team absorbs both the thrill of the stripe and the sting of a photo finish.Then we flip the visor down on the used-car market and call it like we see it. Jerry breaks down a rough first half—parts shortages, lost vendor discounts, slower recon, rate pressure—and why the fourth quarter tells a different story. If you’re buying or selling, this is the cheat sheet: sub-$25k inventory moves fastest, $15k–$18k is lightning, and well-specced Broncos are nipping at Wrangler’s heels. Trucks still print demand in Texas regardless of trim, because capabi

Power meets perspective from the street to the driveway. We start behind the wheel of the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier 4WD, unpacking what a modern full-size SUV gets right: a serene cabin, a 17-inch horizontal infotainment screen, a crisp 15-inch head-up display, and magnetic ride control that smooths rough pavement. The 6.2L V8 and 10-speed automatic serve up 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, real-world confidence for towing up to 8,200 pounds and threading parking lots without drama. We talk price reality too, from base LS to a Premier build that climbs with paint, 22-inch wheels, and comfort options, and we stack it against the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia hybrid, and GMC Yukon.Then we widen the lens to car culture and remember why we fell for this world. From the chopped and channeled customs of the 1950s and 1960s to rivalries that sometimes boiled over—like the 1959 Artesia Moose Lodge rumble—car clubs shaped style, speed, and community. That legacy lives on in quieter ways: charity cruises, skil

What does it take to turn a local bracket meet into a 140-car institution that tracks want to host and racers plan their year around? We sit down with Scott Stregel to unpack the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge, from how the series shares revenue with drag strips to the schedule and class design that keep cars in the lanes and teams coming back.Scott explains why a fourteen-date calendar beats endless makeup races, and how shifting out-of-town events to Saturday afternoons through midnight helps racers dodge brutal Monday commutes after long tows. We break down the club divisions—5A for large rosters, 4A for mid-size, 3A for smaller teams—why everyone still races everyone in brackets, and how the points chase remains fair across club sizes. You’ll also hear why most race cars run eighth mile in this region, when quarter mile makes sense for street-tire classes, and how that balance keeps competition safe and close.Beyond the staging lanes, we get into the media engine behind the growth: consistent social cont

A flat tire, a British accent, and a time machine into racing’s most underrated proving ground—this one starts with a grin and lands with substance. We sit down with journalist and author James Newbold to unpack Formula 3000, the 1985–2004 series that quietly shaped today’s open-wheel landscape. From its wild early years with multiple chassis and engines to the spec-era shift that prioritized driver skill and team preparation, F3000 became the launchpad for names you know and stories you probably don’t.James shares why he wrote Formula 3000: Where Legends Earn Their Stripes and how he unearthed 350 rarely seen photos from archives now stewarded by Getty. We connect the dots from F3000 to GP2 to modern Formula Two, demystify how the ladder works, and spotlight alumni who made waves across motorsport—F1 contenders, IndyCar champions, and team leaders who still shape race weekends. Expect clear explanations, race-weekend context, and a few surprising career pivots along the way.Then we shift gears to car culture

Nitro belongs to the people who build the cars, tow the trailers, and wrench late into the night—and that’s exactly where we start. We sit down with IHRA Division Director Doug Foley to unpack how a racer-led sanctioning body is rebuilding big-league drag racing around access, value, and raw excitement. Think eight-car nitro fields, a clean two-day show, and five passes to a $50,000 purse—designed to cut costs without cutting thrills.Doug takes us inside IHRA’s class lineup, from Top Fuel Funny Car and Top Fuel to Pro Mod, Top Alcohol, and the fan-favorite Mountain Motor Pro Stock. He explains why IHRA’s rules hew close enough to NHRA for cross-compatibility while staying flexible for teams sidelined by expensive mandates. We also dig into the hidden economics of safety recertifications and how smarter formats reduce parts attrition and travel burn, giving privateers a real shot.One of the biggest shifts: IHRA now owns multiple tracks, including National Trail Raceway, Milan Dragway, and Galot Motorsports Par

Car prices are heating up, but your strategy can stay cool. We sat down with Patrick Olsen of Carfax to cut through the noise and map a smarter path to your next vehicle—whether you’re shopping new to beat tariff-driven pressure or hunting for a reliable used car with real value. We dig into timing the market, reading shifting inventory, and setting practical guardrails that protect your budget without giving up tech, safety, or comfort.If you’re weighing used options, we break down why sedans are the overlooked bargains: late-model Civics, Accords, Camrys, and Malibus that deliver strong mpg and long-haul reliability. We talk about lease-return realities, the must-know red flags on history reports, and the truth about extended warranties versus building your own repair fund. For parents and grads, we call out the safety features that matter most—blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking—and why they deliver day-to-day dividends.Curious about used EVs? We get real on cos

Looking for a family SUV that doesn’t force you to choose between comfort, efficiency, and price? We dive into the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige and unpack how this three-row “small” SUV manages a big presence, refined ride, and impressive mpg without blowing the budget. From first impressions to real-world numbers, we bring a driver’s-eye view of what stands out and where it lands among the best hybrids on sale today.We start with design: a crisp Kia grille, distinctive orange DRLs, quad vertical tail lights, and straight-line sculpting that reads clean and upscale. Inside, the tone shifts to near-luxury with quilted seat accents, a sculpted dash, and an available 12.3-inch screen that keeps driving info and entertainment simple and sharp. The dial shifter frees up space on the console, and the three-row, six-seat layout offers flexibility—small cargo hold with the third row up, generous room when it’s folded.Then we get into the hardware. The hybrid pairing of a 1.6-liter turbo and electric assistance

Neon glows, steel shines, and the floor hums with V8 heartbeat as we step inside the Hemi Hideout for a guided tour through one of the most captivating Mopar collections in Texas. We move car by car, blending hard facts with honest reactions—why an aero-wild Superbird reshaped NASCAR, how a numbers-matching Super Bee earns reverence, and where a properly built restomod Cuda proves that drivability and drama can live under the same Shaker hood.We share the stories that make these machines feel alive. A violet 1970 Road Runner convertible exits a riverbed after 25 years and returns as a numbers-matching gem. A 1947 Dodge Power Wagon scores 996 out of 1000 and closes its doors with refrigerator solidity. A 1969 Coronet R/T convertible gets a 528 Hemi and triple carbs, while a Pink Panther Challenger and a chameleon ’37 Plymouth coupe show how attitude and engineering come together in Pro Street form. Production numbers, engine codes, and rare color combos turn into small epiphanies—one Go Mango Super Bee is one

Steel meets strings on a warm Texas evening, and that’s not a metaphor—hot rods line Victoria’s square while the symphony plays just steps away. We take you inside the kickoff of the Hot Rod Tour of Texas and show how a thoughtful Main Street strategy turned a historic downtown into a true destination for car clubs, families, and anyone who loves a weekend drive with character. From restaurants that spill onto the square to curated itineraries built by the city team, Victoria shows what happens when a community embraces car culture and pairs it with live music, walkability, and Texas charm.We also dive under the hood of the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige AWD. Don shares real-world fuel economy, ride and handling impressions, cabin highlights, and where the Sorento fits versus the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and Honda CR-V Hybrid. If you’re weighing a three-row that looks upscale, sips fuel, and can handle long legs of a tour, this review gives you the details you need—pricing included—to shop

A 15-year-old American podiums in France, trains on a historic family kart track, and preps a KZ shifter for SuperNats—this conversation with Truly Adams puts you trackside with a teen who’s chasing F1 the hard way: one tenth at a time. We dive into how karting sharpens the instincts that matter—trail braking, rotation, race starts, and battling through 60-kart grids where the top 30 can be separated by a single tenth. He shares how he balances homeschooling, constant travel, and year-round testing while keeping the physical and mental edge to jump between karts and formula cars.We unpack the ladder from French F4 to F3, F2, and ultimately F1, highlighting why an academy series with spec cars levels the field and spotlights driver skill. Truly explains differences between spec and open setup environments, how tire management and car feedback decide outcomes, and why selection to the Feed Racing finals was a crucial step. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hit 93 mph an inch off the ground, or how tempo

Two engineers walked away from the safe path and built an icon. That’s the spark behind AMG’s journey from late-night tuning to a seat at Mercedes’ top table, and author Matt DeLorenzo brings the full story to life with factory access, rare photos, and details that rarely leave the archives. We dive into the early moonlighting years, the audacious 300 SEL 6.8 “Red Pig” that shocked Spa in 1971, and how race wins turned a side hustle into the performance heartbeat of Mercedes-Benz.Matt helps us connect the dots from privateer sedans to the Hammer era, where a V8-stuffed E-Class redefined fast luxury for the U.S. market. We talk about German touring car glory, the first co-developed C 36, and the strategic moves that led Mercedes to buy AMG outright. Inside Affalterbach, the one-man-one-engine philosophy still stands, with each builder signing their work. That culture of accountability and craft underpins halo cars from the SLS Gullwing to the AMG GT, proving AMG can design from a clean sheet, not only tune.The