In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Fall energy meets turbo torque as we jump from steins to stopwatches, mapping the most spirited Oktoberfests in the U.S. before tearing into “muscle cars” that talked big and drove small—then we strap into the 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line to see what real-world performance feels like today. We start with pure festival joy: Denver turns six downtown blocks into keg bowling, stein hoists, and polka beats; Fredericksburg, Texas doubles down on Hill Country hospitality with 50 beers and a proud German thread; Helen, Georgia leans into storybook Bavarian architecture along the Chattahoochee; and Cincinnati’s Zinzinnati packs in hundreds of thousands for brats, bands, and a gleefully chaotic chicken dance plus those crowd-pleasing dachshund races. It’s a tour of local flavor, beer culture, and family-friendly spectacle that proves tradition thrives when a city makes it its own.Then we flip the script and call out the pretenders. From the Camaro Z28 and Mustang II Cobra II to bloated nameplates wearing legendary badge

A friendly grudge, a lit tree, and a time slip—few things capture real car culture like club-versus-club drag racing. We sit down to explore the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge and how it turns raw horsepower into community, safety, and bragging rights across eighth-mile tracks statewide. Even when a guest’s signal fades, the story stays clear: organize the adrenaline, race where it’s safe, and bring home a slip that proves it.From there, we open the hood on the industry’s moving parts. Dealers are quietly finding gold in their service lanes, making real-time offers to maintenance customers to replace shrinking lease returns and tight auction supply. We break down the math, the goals, and what it means for anyone weighing a repair bill against positive equity. Then we zoom out to used-car retail’s evolving landscape—Carvana’s rebound, why some online car buys feel effortless while others come with surprise steps—and the fine print that separates convenience from frustration.The news cycle adds more heat: pote

Ever felt your stomach drop at the top of a blind hill? We handed the wheel to Olivia, a 21-year-old nursing student and brand-new Bronco owner, and watched a long day in the Texas Hill Country turn nerves into mastery. With guidance from veteran auto journalist Sue Mead, Olivia moves from classroom theory to real trail work—learning why GOAT Modes matter, how hill descent control actually feels, and where a forward-facing camera turns guessing into precision. The payoff arrives on a feature aptly nicknamed “roller coaster,” when faith in the process replaces fear of the unknown.We dig into what the Bronco Off-Roadeo delivers for drivers at every level: structured coaching, expert spotters, and a terrain course designed to show how lockers, low range, and smart calibration create grip when the world tilts. New Bronco owners get a complimentary pass within a year, but anyone can book a half-day program and bring guests along. Beyond the dust, the skills transfer directly to night drives on unlit back roads and

Buckle up for a high-octane exploration of automotive industry trends and challenges that are reshaping the market landscape. We dive deep into the alarming rise of "credit bust out" scams targeting dealerships, where criminals orchestrate the purchase of multiple vehicles through falsified loan applications before credit reports can catch up. One brazen example involved financing six vehicles worth $385,000 through five different lenders in just four days—a stark warning for dealers and lenders alike.The electric vehicle revolution faces a critical juncture as the $7,500 federal tax credit expires and California Governor Newsom reverses course on state subsidies. Major automakers, including GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen, are pushing back against aggressive emissions standards that would require up to 56% of new vehicles to be electric by 2032. The consensus among our hosts? Perhaps it's time for EVs to compete on their own merits without government assistance.Family drama takes center stage in Ma

Navigating the murky waters of auto body repairs just got easier thanks to an innovative approach that puts transparency and consumer choice at the forefront. Ilan Mandil, founder of OttoFixIt, joins us to unveil how AI technology is revolutionizing the way drivers approach collision repair estimates. By simply snapping photos of vehicle damage, consumers can now receive preliminary cost projections before setting foot in a body shop – finally addressing the anxiety-inducing question: "How much is this going to cost me?"The conversation dives deep into the stratified world of auto body shops, from manufacturer-certified facilities using exclusively OEM parts to independent shops with varying quality standards. Mandil expertly breaks down how OttoFixIt vets repair facilities (requiring 4.5+ star ratings across hundreds of reviews) and why having multiple quotes empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on their specific circumstances and vehicle value. Jeff shares a cautionary tale about hi

Step right up to a fascinating exploration of the Texas State Fair's hidden gems! Beyond the legendary fried foods lies a world of unexpected attractions waiting to be discovered. Did you know you could view world-famous butter sculptures in the Creative Arts building? Or that a 212-foot Texas Fair Swell offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dallas and Fair Park from 44 illuminated gondolas?We take you on a virtual tour through ten must-see fair attractions, from the midway's 70+ rides (including the towering 500-foot Texas Tower) to the surprising Lagoon Park with its animatronic dinosaur exhibits. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate learning about the historic Cotton Bowl hosting both the HBCU State Fair Classic and the legendary Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. Whether you're a fair regular or planning your first visit, these insider insights guarantee a richer experience.The automotive world takes center stage in our "Car Culture" segment, where we unpack the fascinat

The century-long story of how we value cars has dramatically shifted from dog-eared pages to digital databases. Before the internet, car dealers, buyers, and even divorce courts relied on physical booklets like Kelly Blue Book and NADA guides to determine fair market prices. These guides weren't just reference materials—they were essential tools that brought transparency to a notoriously opaque market.NADA began tracking vehicle values in 1922, creating a standardized system that expanded far beyond dealership lots. During World War II, as manufacturing materials were diverted to the war effort, these guides became crucial in preventing price gouging when used car demand skyrocketed. Even government assistance programs consulted these books when determining eligibility, considering vehicle value as part of an applicant's assets.The digital revolution changed everything. What started with experimental floppy disks and CD-ROMs in the 1990s evolved into sophisticated online platforms delivering real-ti

Randy Borchiding's colorful journey from model car enthusiast to custom paint specialist unfolds with charm and practical wisdom. What started with Testors spray cans and a childhood model contest victory evolved into a full-fledged career creating custom colors for show-stopping vehicles. Randy pulls back the curtain on his early days, revealing how he built his first professional paint booth using nothing more than PVC pipes, plastic sheeting, and box fans with air conditioning filters. "Don't feel like you can't accomplish something just literally in your garage because you don't have a $50,000 box," he encourages, sharing how cars painted in this humble setup went on to compete at prestigious shows like the Grand National Roaster Show.The science behind the art proves fascinating as Randy explains the critical role of temperature in modern urethane painting. Working in environments below 50 degrees can leave paint jobs permanently sticky or mushy – a costly lesson he learned

Mercedes and Andy Lilienthal take us on an exhilarating journey through North America's longest road rally - the Alcan 5000. Covering a staggering 5,500 miles from Seattle to Alaska, this husband-wife team pushed their 2026 Honda Passport Trail Sport to its limits across punishing terrain and secured an impressive second-place overall finish.The conversation reveals the fascinating format of this epic adventure: daily time-speed-distance rally segments connected by long-distance travel through some of the continent's most remote regions. While competitors in the "unlimited" class relied on sophisticated rally computers, the Lilienthals triumphed in their "seat of pants" class using nothing more than a $6 calculator, a kitchen timer, and raw mathematical calculations.Their Honda Passport proved the perfect companion, conquering approximately 900 miles of dirt and gravel without a single flat tire. The couple details how they tackled optional "extreme control" routes that

Buckle up for a deep dive into the automotive industry's latest battle with tariffs that could reshape how we buy and maintain our vehicles. Automakers and suppliers have formally urged the Trump administration to reconsider unpredictable tariff expansions, warning that these policies make investing in America increasingly difficult. The financial impact? A potential $4,600 price increase per vehicle within three years, according to the Center for Automotive Research—a sobering prospect when average new car prices already hover around $50,000.The conversation takes a personal turn as we explore the emotional versus practical considerations of keeping older vehicles. One host shares the dilemma of his daughter's beloved 2007 Ford Focus with 185,000 miles—is the sentimental value worth the maintenance costs and logistics of storing it for occasional use? This sparks a broader discussion about how consumers might adapt to rising costs, including a potential revival of salvaging parts from junkyards as

Autumn reveals a side of Texas many travelers never experience. While summer heat dominates conversations about the Lone Star State, fall transforms Texas into a wonderland of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.Our journey begins in East Texas, where maples explode with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that rival New England's famous foliage. The Sabine River region offers perfect fall temperatures for camping, hiking, and outdoor recreation without summer's oppressive heat. Moving westward, we explore the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail stretching from Fredericksburg to Johnson City. Fall means harvest festivals, grape stomps, and perfect weather for tasting award-winning reds and whites while enjoying weekend live music performances at numerous wineries.For more adventurous travelers, we venture to Big Bend Country, where fall transforms an otherwise scorching landscape into a comfortable destination for hiking, river trips, and world-class stargazing. The region's I

The battle between dirt and asphalt tracks, the delicate ecosystem of regional racing, and the high-stakes fall racing season take center stage in this revealing conversation with motorsports commentator Rodney Rodriguez.As Texas transitions into fall, circle track racing enters its most exciting phase with championship battles heating up and big money events drawing competitors from across state lines. Rodriguez highlights the SuperTex 600 at Rocket Raceway Park—a minimal-rules competition offering a potential $25,000 prize—as an example of grassroots racing at its finest, where "you can damn near run anything you have" from bombers to modifieds.Behind this excitement lurks a troubling industry trend: historic venues like Devil's Bowl Speedway closing permanently, forcing racers to travel greater distances while remaining tracks fail to coordinate effectively. The podcast reveals how personal rivalries and business pressures prevent track operators from collaborating on schedules, ultimately h

The digital threat landscape for the automotive industry has never been more dangerous. Legendary FBI operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill joins us to reveal how cyber attackers are targeting major manufacturers with devastating results. Right now, Jaguar Land Rover's production sits paralyzed by a ransomware attack that's already lasted three weeks with no end in sight. These aren't isolated incidents. Just last year, a similar attack against CDK Global crippled 15,000 US dealerships, causing nearly a billion dollars in losses. What's truly alarming is how these breaches ripple through the entire automotive ecosystem - from manufacturers to suppliers to your personal data. Eric breaks down exactly how these attacks happen, why they're so difficult to prevent, and what makes the $18 trillion cybercrime industry so dangerously effective.But it's not just corporations at risk. Eric shares chilling stories of how ordinary people fall victim to sophisticated "phi

Step into the extraordinary world of the Hemi Hideout as we chat with owner John Hovis about his remarkable journey from car enthusiast to curator of one of the most impressive automotive sanctuaries in Texas. Surrounded by vintage neon signs and classic cars, John reveals how what began as a personal "man cave" evolved into a destination venue that now hosts everything from corporate events to weddings. His collection of 24 vehicles—half powered by legendary Hemi engines—forms the heart of this automotive paradise, but it's the community spirit that truly defines the space. Every rental fee is matched by John and donated to local charities, transforming his passion project into a force for good.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as John explains the hideout's innovative geothermal cooling system, which uses heat exchangers submerged 21 feet deep in an on-site pond. While this eco-friendly approach might not pay for itself during his lifetime, it reflects the forward-thinking approa

Ever wondered what happens when your brand-new dream car turns into a mechanical nightmare? Hovanes Margarian, known as "The Lemon Lawyer," pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of automotive consumer protection law in this eye-opening conversation.From his unique garage-turned-law-office where client vehicles undergo inspection alongside his personal collection (including a Ferrari SF90 Spider), Margarian reveals the inner workings of lemon law cases that have defined his 20-year career. With remarkable candor, he explains how manufacturers often make strategic decisions about settling claims based not just on case merit, but on their own financial timing and broader liability concerns.The conversation delivers surprising insights that every car owner should know. Margarian explains why class action settlements frequently serve manufacturers better than consumers, offering modest compensation while extinguishing potentially valuable individual refund claims. He also shares how the timelin

Ever wondered why your car's technology feels so advanced? The answer might be orbiting above your head. We dive into the fascinating world where NASA innovations have transformed everyday driving experiences, from the anti-lock brakes that keep you safe to the head-up display projecting vital information onto your windshield.These aerospace technologies weren't just adapted for automobiles—they revolutionized them. Space shuttle landing systems became the foundation for modern anti-lock braking. Fighter jet displays evolved into the windshield projections in luxury vehicles. The same composite materials that withstand the harshness of space now form lightweight, durable car components. Even your car's precise fuel injection and improved tire technology trace back to solutions originally designed for rockets and lunar rovers.Beyond the technological marvels, we take you on a journey down the historic Route 66 through Texas. Though only 178 miles long in the Lone Star State, this stretch packs i

The automotive world still has a discrimination problem, and this episode dives deep into a shocking case that cost two Missouri dealerships $275,000 in settlement fees. When Landmark Dodge Ram and Landmark Chrysler Jeep were caught refusing to hire women for sales positions and men for office roles, the EEOC stepped in with a lawsuit that revealed disturbing practices and attitudes. Former HR employees testified that management claimed "women didn't have the respect necessary" for car sales and that training them was "a waste of time."Beyond this central story, we tackle the automotive recall landscape, including Ford's massive 1.5 million vehicle recall for rearview camera issues affecting models from 2015-2019. Numerous other manufacturers face similar challenges, from improperly sealed windshields to potential vehicle rollaways. The industry is experiencing significant market shifts too – Stellantis has canceled its electric Ram 1500 pickup citing slowing EV demand, while Tes

From $150 million in exotic cars managed by college students to the plush comfort of a six-figure luxury SUV, this episode of In Wheel Time takes you on a journey through the fascinating intersections of automotive education and innovation.Katrina Ness, the 62nd general chair of the Northwood University International Auto Show, joins us to discuss what might be the most unique automotive event in America. As a fourth-year student pursuing her MBA, Katrina leads what she describes as "an organization with the most turnover" - a completely student-run auto show featuring hypercars, racing vehicles, and nearly every automotive brand imaginable. With minimal faculty oversight, these 20-something students are entrusted with approximately $150 million worth of automotive assets, including a Bugatti Mistral fresh from Europe and a LaFerrari previously owned by Drake.Beyond the jaw-dropping vehicle lineup, we explore how Northwood University's specialized automotive marketing and management program pre

The Savoy Car Museum's annual Connection Car Show has evolved into a spectacular gathering of automotive enthusiasts, exceeding all expectations in its third year. Located in Cartersville, Georgia, between Atlanta and Chattanooga, this expanding event showcases the passion and diversity of car culture across the Southeast.Mary Argusza takes us behind the scenes as spectators line up before dawn, eager to experience both the outdoor car show and the museum's impressive indoor exhibits. The museum itself spans 60,000 square feet with five distinct galleries, featuring a strategic rotation system that ensures fresh experiences for repeat visitors. Currently, guests can explore exhibits like "Harvest to Highway" with agricultural vehicles, small block muscle cars, racing Jaguars, and an extraordinary collection of ten Duesenbergs representing every iteration of these legendary automobiles.What makes the Connection Car Show particularly special is its organic growth through word-of-mouth and co

Deciding when an elderly parent should stop driving ranks among family life's most challenging conversations. Now, General Motors is developing technology to transform this emotional decision into a data-driven process. Their innovative "driver retirement score" system monitors everything from reaction times to proper use of turn signals, even tracking how often other drivers honk at the vehicle. This comprehensive approach could revolutionize how families approach driving cessation discussions with aging relatives.The timing couldn't be more critical. With nearly 52 million licensed drivers over 65 in America—a 77% increase in just two decades—we're facing unprecedented road safety challenges. According to Triple A, seniors now outlive their ability to drive safely for the first time in history, creating a need for "driving retirement planning" similar to financial retirement planning.But the technology raises fascinating questions about parameters and privacy. Would someon