Acura Spotlight At The Houston Auto Show
About this episode
The In-Wheel Time podcast broadcasts live from the Houston Auto Show, featuring an engaging discussion with Marla Cardenas from Acura and Team Gilman. They explore Acura's lineup, including the popular Integra Type S and NSX, while sharing insights on customer service and the unique experience of attending the show. The conversation highlights the importance of a pressure-free environment for potential buyers, especially first-timers and women, who are eager to learn about the cars. The hosts also reminisce about their experiences and the community's connection to the automotive world.
Shoppers don’t just want specs—they want confidence. From the floor of the Houston Auto Show, we sit down with Team Gilman’s Acura lead, Marla Cardenas, to dig into what turns casual browsing into informed decisions, and why a calm, pressure‑free venue helps families and first‑time buyers ask better questions. The Integra Type S brings the sport, the NSX brings the sparkle, and the new ADX shows why smaller SUVs are winning hearts with agility and everyday comfort.
We walk through the Acura lineup’s core personality: responsive handling without harshness, clean design with real utility, and tech that stays focused on safety and ease of use. You’ll hear how women and men frame priorities differently—crash protection, child‑seat fit, and budget flexibility on one side; horsepower, hybrid timelines, and engineering details on the other—yet converge on the same outcome: how the car feels when it counts. We also unpack the value of certified pre‑owned inventory, sourced mainly from customer trade‑ins with known service histories, giving buyers a clear path between new and used without the gamble.
Behind the scenes, the industry is shifting. With older vehicles on the road longer and a persistent technician shortage, dealerships are doubling down on mobile service, retention, and transparent support. That’s where loyalty really forms—after the first test drive, when life gets busy and maintenance matters. If you’re weighing Integra vs. ADX, RDX vs. MDX, or new vs. certified, this conversation delivers practical insight, show‑floor impressions, and the kind of straight talk that helps you choose well.
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Nissan
"...that it would see the Nissan."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. They are known for their reliable and affordable cars.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from economical sedans to performance-oriented models like the Nissan GT-R.
BMW
"So you go and drive a BMW and you're not going to get that experience over there at Honda or Acura."
BMW is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars known for their sporty performance and handling.
BMW is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance-oriented cars and distinctive driving experience.
Honda Accord
"...I actually owned a Honda one time on my Honda Accord. But the Acura is a little bit more sporty than the Hondas."
The Honda Accord is a popular car that many people choose because it is reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's often used by families and people who commute to work.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been a popular choice among families and commuters since its introduction in the 1970s.
Acura
"...But the Acura is a little bit more sporty than the Hondas. I'm not sure exactly why."
Acura is a brand of cars that is part of Honda, but they are fancier and sportier. They usually have more features and a more luxurious feel than regular Honda cars.
Acura is Honda's luxury vehicle division, known for offering more performance-oriented and upscale versions of Honda models. They often feature enhanced technology and comfort.
Acura Integra Type S
"...we have actually an Integra Type S out there, which seems to be one of the most popular..."
The Acura Integra Type S is a sportier version of the Integra, designed for better performance and handling. It's popular among car enthusiasts who enjoy driving.
The Acura Integra Type S is a high-performance variant of the Integra, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It appeals to enthusiasts looking for a blend of practicality and performance.
Acura NSX
"And we have the privilege of having one of our NSX here too. So it's definitely sexy, eye candy and people are enjoying getting their pictures taken with it."
The Acura NSX is a fast sports car that uses both a gasoline engine and electric motors to go really fast while being more efficient. It's known for its sleek design and advanced features.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car known for its hybrid powertrain and advanced technology. It combines a twin-turbo V6 engine with electric motors to deliver impressive performance and efficiency.
Acura MDX
"And then we have an RDX and we have an MDX out."
The Acura MDX is a larger luxury SUV that can fit more people and has a lot of nice features. It's great for families who need extra space.
The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV that is known for its spacious seating, advanced technology, and strong performance. It is a popular choice for families.
Acura RDX
"And then we have an RDX and we have an MDX out."
The Acura RDX is a smaller luxury SUV that is comfortable and has a lot of tech features. It's designed for people who want a nice car with plenty of space.
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It is known for its spacious interior and advanced safety features.
horsepower
"They want to know the horsepower? Some of them do."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and overall performance.
certified pre-owned
"...where I buy new or I buy certified pre-owned. Those are the two categories that I'm going to go and look at as a customer."
Certified pre-owned cars are used cars that have been checked and approved by the manufacturer. They usually come with a warranty, which means you can have peace of mind when buying them.
Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are used cars that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or a dealer. They often come with a warranty and other benefits, making them a safer choice for buyers.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
"You own a car you love. Well, why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it? Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state of the art facility to introduce you to his specialist team of auto enthusiasts."
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a company that helps keep your car looking new by applying special coatings and films to protect the paint and windows.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is an automotive service company that specializes in protecting vehicles through various means, such as paint protection films and ceramic coatings. Their services are aimed at maintaining the aesthetic and protective qualities of a car's exterior.
ceramic coating
"...massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tent, or new windshield"
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that you put on your car's paint to protect it and make it shiny. It helps keep dirt and grime from sticking to the surface, making it easier to clean.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle to provide a protective layer that enhances shine and protects against environmental contaminants. It helps in maintaining the car's appearance and can make cleaning easier.
paint protection film
"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tent, or new windshield"
Paint protection film is a clear layer that you can put on your car's paint to keep it safe from scratches and damage. It helps your car look good for a longer time.
Paint protection film is a clear, durable material applied to the surface of a vehicle to protect it from scratches, chips, and other damage. It is often used on high-impact areas to maintain the car's finish.
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