Come For Camp Jeep, The Monster Trucks, Stay To ....?
About this episode
Live from the 43rd annual Houston Auto Show, the In-Wheel Time Podcast dives into exciting automotive discussions, including a review of the 2026 Toyota Supra, which marks the last production year of this iconic model. The hosts share insights on the new Formula One cars and the upcoming I-500 snowmobile race, drawing parallels to NASCAR. A special guest from Central Nissan discusses dealership innovations and the differences in car sales between California and Texas, adding a local flavor to the conversation.
Engines echo, tires climb, and families light up as we go live from the 43rd Houston Auto Show—where test drives, ride-alongs, and a boat hall next door turn the day into a full-on adventure. We walk you through Camp Jeep and the Ram Truck track, then step outside for Polaris side-by-sides and a monster truck ride that’s already creating legends in the lobby. Inside, the floor is packed: mainstream brands with full lineups you can sit in, scan, and compare, plus a luxury gallery ranging from Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Lotus.
We dig into what buyers really care about right now—transparent pricing, base vs top-trim choices, and how QR codes help you validate features on the spot. Our conversation moves from tow ratings and hitch options to a smarter way to shop: plan a route with the official floor map, hit your short list first, and use the show to compare brands in minutes, not weekends. Along the way, we spotlight why Stellantis returned in force and how interactive experiences like Toyota’s game show and Subaru’s adoption corner make the event feel human and memorable.
Gearheads get a double hit. Jeff kickstarts racing season with Formula One’s new era testing notes, the I-500 snowmobile classic, and a calendar stacked with NHRA, NASCAR, and IndyCar—plus a fresh street race headed to Washington, D.C. Then we dive into the 2026 Toyota Supra Final Edition: Gazoo Racing details, BMW-sourced straight-six punch, an eight-speed that makes the manual optional, and the kind of poised stiffness that turns on-ramps into moments. We close with Joe Garcia from Central Houston Nissan, who explains why the Rogue keeps winning, how the new Dark Armor trim hits the value sweet spot, and why the V6 Frontier is the right-size truck for garage and budget.
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Formula One
"Formula One tested in Barcelona this past 10 days or so ago. And what they're doing is they're shaking down the new 2026 Formula One cars because they've all been redesigned."
Formula One is a popular racing series where teams race specially designed cars on tracks around the world. It's known for its speed and advanced technology.
Formula One is a high-level international motorsport series known for its fast cars and advanced technology. Teams compete in races around the world, and the cars are designed for speed and performance, often incorporating cutting-edge engineering.
Toyota Supra
"I had the opportunity to drive the 2026 Toyota Supra comes in these trim levels, the 3.0, 3.0 premium and the mark five final edition now M."
The Toyota Supra is a sporty car that was redesigned for 2020, and the 2026 model is part of its fifth version. It's known for being fast and fun to drive.
The 2026 Toyota Supra is a sports car that represents the fifth generation of the Supra lineage, known for its performance and styling. The Mk5 is notable for its collaboration with BMW, sharing components with the Z4.
fifth generation
"This is the fifth generation of it and the last year of production."
Fifth generation means this is the fifth version of the Toyota Supra car. Each new version usually has improvements and changes compared to the last one.
The term 'fifth generation' refers to the latest iteration of a car model, in this case, the Toyota Supra. Each generation typically features significant updates in design, technology, and performance.
BMW X3
"...e hot. It shares the same platform as the BMW Z4 M40i. I did not realize that."
The BMW X3 is a small luxury SUV that is fun to drive and has a nice interior. It's a good option for people who want a stylish car that can also carry a lot of stuff.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that combines sporty handling with practicality. Since its launch in 2003, it has been praised for its performance, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.
BMW Z4
"It shares the same platform as the BMW Z4 M40i."
The BMW Z4 M40i is a sporty convertible car that is designed for performance. It shares some parts with the Toyota Supra, which means they have similar features.
The BMW Z4 M40i is a high-performance variant of the Z4 roadster, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It shares its platform with the Toyota Supra, highlighting a collaboration between the two brands.
19 inch wheels
"...features 19 inch wheels on this one with carbon fiber duct tail spoiler..."
19 inch wheels are the size of the wheels on the car. Bigger wheels can help the car handle better but might make the ride feel bumpier.
19 inch wheels refer to the diameter of the wheel rims, which can affect the car's handling, ride quality, and aesthetics. Larger wheels often provide better cornering performance but may result in a harsher ride.
carbon fiber duct tail spoiler
"...with carbon fiber duct tail spoiler, smooth arrow nose. The whole car sits a couple of inches off the road..."
A carbon fiber duct tail spoiler is a lightweight part on the back of a car that helps it stay stable when driving fast. It's made from a strong material called carbon fiber.
A carbon fiber duct tail spoiler is an aerodynamic component made from lightweight carbon fiber material, designed to improve the car's downforce and stability at high speeds. It helps manage airflow over the vehicle, enhancing performance.
bulging rear wheel wells
"...your butt can feel the road going by underneath it bulging rear wheel wells big one bad to the bone factory racer..."
Bulging rear wheel wells are the parts of the car where the tires sit that stick out a bit. This helps fit bigger tires and makes the car look more sporty.
Bulging rear wheel wells are designed to accommodate wider tires and improve the car's stance and handling. They can also enhance the vehicle's aggressive appearance, often seen in performance-oriented cars.
factory racer
"...big one bad to the bone factory racer. What I liked overall design..."
A factory racer is a car made by the company to be used in races. It's built to be fast and perform well without needing many changes.
A factory racer refers to a car that is built by the manufacturer specifically for racing purposes, often featuring performance enhancements and lightweight materials. These cars are designed to compete at a high level right off the production line.
infotainment screen
"Head up display and great infotainment screen. The cargo trunk area, itty bitty teeny weeny little to pack light."
An infotainment screen is like a computer screen in your car that shows you maps, music, and other information. It helps you stay connected and entertained while driving.
An infotainment screen is a display in a vehicle that integrates entertainment and information functions, allowing drivers to access navigation, music, and vehicle settings. It's a central part of modern car technology, enhancing the driving experience.
torque
"six, it's a BMW motor that turns out 382 horsepower, 368 pound feet of torque and a chassis and body combination that weighs about 150 pounds."
Torque tells you how strong an engine is when it starts moving. More torque means the car can speed up faster, especially from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, important for understanding how well a vehicle can accelerate from a stop or climb hills. Higher torque means better performance in these scenarios.
horsepower
"six, it's a BMW motor that turns out 382 horsepower, 368 pound feet of torque and a chassis and body combination that weighs about 150 pounds."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, indicating how much work an engine can perform over time. In automotive terms, it reflects the engine's performance capabilities.
paddle shifters
"eight speed automatic with paddle shifters. Now it can be equipped with a manual shift..."
Paddle shifters are buttons or levers on the steering wheel that let you change gears in a car without using a clutch pedal. They make driving more fun and sporty.
Paddle shifters are levers located behind the steering wheel that allow drivers to manually shift gears in an automatic transmission, providing more control over the vehicle's performance.
automatic transmissions
"Not with today's automatic transmissions."
Automatic transmissions change gears by themselves, so you don't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in traffic.
Automatic transmissions are systems that automatically change the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing for easier driving without the need for manual gear changes.
Chevrolet Corvette
"I know that there are diehard people out there that love the manual shift. I've got a Corvette that's got a manual shift in it..."
The Corvette is a fast sports car made by Chevrolet. It's popular for its speed and stylish looks.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and sleek design. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
rear wheel drive
"This is a rear wheel drive car gets 22 miles per gallon city, 29 highway for combined to 25. I got 28.7 miles per gallon over 391 miles."
In a rear wheel drive car, the back wheels get the power from the engine, which can help with speed and handling, especially when driving fast.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup often provides better handling and acceleration, especially in performance-oriented cars.
hot rod
"What I liked about it, the mileage with all the horsepower and this thing is a hot rod and gets pretty good on good gas mileage for being a hot rod."
A hot rod is a car that has been changed to go faster and look cooler, often using older models that people have fixed up.
A hot rod is a modified car, typically an older model, that has been enhanced for performance, speed, and style. These cars often feature powerful engines and custom modifications.
fuel tank
"What could use improvement, a bigger fuel tank. It's got a teeny, weeny little fuel tank, because it's a tiny car, right and handling."
The fuel tank is where the car stores its gas. If the tank is small, the car needs to stop for gas more often.
The fuel tank is a container that holds fuel for the vehicle's engine. Its size can affect how far a car can travel before needing to refuel.
chassis upgrades
"And this final edition gets chassis upgrades, but it all is all adjustable through the computer screen."
Chassis upgrades are changes made to the car's frame and suspension to make it handle better and drive smoother, especially when going fast.
Chassis upgrades refer to modifications made to a vehicle's frame and suspension system to improve handling, stability, and performance. These upgrades can enhance the driving experience, especially in performance cars.
active exhaust system
"It does have an active exhaust system on it too. Base trim price 67,950, you're not going to find one for that."
An active exhaust system is a feature that lets you change how your car sounds and performs by adjusting the exhaust flow. It can make your car sound louder or quieter depending on how you drive it.
An active exhaust system allows for adjustable exhaust flow, which can enhance performance and sound by changing the exhaust note based on driving conditions or driver preferences.
base trim price
"Base trim price 67,950, you're not going to find one for that. As tested 71,160, the base model price 58,300."
Base trim price is the starting price of a car model before adding any extra features or options. It's the price you would pay for the simplest version of that car.
The base trim price refers to the starting price of a vehicle model without any additional options or upgrades. It serves as a benchmark for buyers when considering the cost of a new car.
Nissan Z
"Competitors to the vehicle in base size and price, Nissan Z starts at 42,970, I did not"
The Nissan Z is a sporty car made by Nissan. It's known for being fun to drive and is often compared to other similar cars based on price and performance.
The Nissan Z is a sports car that represents Nissan's long-standing Z-car lineage, known for its performance and sporty design. It is often compared to other sports cars in terms of price and performance.
Mazda Cx50
"Next week I review the Mazda CX-50, quite a jump in difference in vehicle and all of that."
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that combines style and functionality. It’s designed for people who want a practical vehicle that’s also fun to drive.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that offers a blend of sporty handling and practicality. It is designed to compete in the growing SUV market with features that appeal to both families and driving enthusiasts.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tint or new windshield protection called ExoShield, Gulf Coast Auto Shield is where Houston's car people go."
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a place in Houston where car enthusiasts go to get their cars protected and made to look like new. They offer services like applying special coatings and fixing damaged parts.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a specialized facility in Houston that offers various services to enhance and protect vehicles, including paint restoration, ceramic coatings, and paint protection films.
ceramic coating
"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tint or new windshield protection called ExoShield..."
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that is put on a car's surface to protect it and make it shiny. It helps keep the car looking good and safe from dirt and scratches.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle, providing a protective layer that enhances shine and protects against environmental contaminants.
paint protection film
"...install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tint or new windshield protection called ExoShield..."
Paint protection film is a clear cover that is put on a car's paint to keep it safe from scratches and damage. It helps the car look new for a longer time.
Paint protection film is a clear, durable material applied to a vehicle's surface to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and other damage.
ExoShield
"...new windshield protection called ExoShield..."
ExoShield is a product that protects car windshields from getting damaged. It helps keep the glass safe from chips and cracks.
ExoShield is a specific brand of windshield protection film designed to provide a durable barrier against chips and cracks.
radar detector
"...professionally installed radar detector? Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that too."
A radar detector is a gadget that helps drivers know if police are using radar to check their speed. It can help you avoid getting a speeding ticket.
A radar detector is a device used in vehicles to detect if the speed of the vehicle is being monitored by law enforcement using radar guns, helping drivers avoid speeding tickets.
EVs
"You know, I know that EVs are huge out there. They're not as huge here."
EVs stand for electric vehicles. These cars run on electricity instead of gas, which can be better for the environment.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in technology.
Nissan Rogue
"So what is, what is the best selling Nissan? The best selling Nissan right now, it is a Rogue."
The Nissan Rogue is a popular SUV that many people buy because it's spacious and good on gas. It's designed for everyday use and is great for families.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV known for its practicality and fuel efficiency. It has been one of Nissan's best-selling models in recent years, appealing to families and individuals alike.
Nissan Pathfinder
"...r model too big, you know, they, they look at our pathfinder, oh, you know, just, I just need a little smalle..."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which is bigger than a regular car and can carry more people and stuff. It's great for families and can handle rough roads, making it a good choice for trips.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1985, known for its versatility and family-friendly features. It offers a spacious interior and off-road capability, making it a popular choice for those needing a reliable vehicle for both daily driving and outdoor adventures.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...0. We no longer have the, the SV Premium and the SL, the Dark Armored is both combined. So, and, and..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy sports car that you can drive with the top down. It's known for being really comfortable and powerful, making it a popular choice for people who want a stylish ride.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster that has been a symbol of performance and elegance since its introduction in the 1950s. Known for its advanced technology and powerful engines, it is often discussed for its blend of sporty driving and high-end comfort.
Honda
"...we have Toyota, we have Honda, we have Hyundai all within, all within the loop and with our side of the loop."
Honda is a well-known car company from Japan that makes reliable cars like the Civic and Accord.
Honda is another Japanese automaker recognized for its reliable cars, motorcycles, and power equipment. Popular models include the Civic and Accord.
Hyundai
"...we have Toyota, we have Honda, we have Hyundai all within, all within the loop and with our side of the loop."
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes affordable cars with good features, like the Sonata and Tucson.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that has gained popularity for its affordable and well-equipped vehicles, such as the Sonata and Tucson.
Pontiac GTO
"... actually started out. But it ended up being the GTO, the Firebird, the Pontiac, all the things that ..."
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American car that was made in the 1960s and is famous for being one of the first muscle cars. It has a strong engine and a cool look, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Pontiac GTO is often credited with starting the muscle car era in the 1960s. Known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty design, it became an icon of American automotive culture and is frequently discussed for its impact on performance cars.
Pontiac Firebird
"... started out. But it ended up being the GTO, the Firebird, the Pontiac, all the things that actually made ..."
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American car that was made from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. It's known for its sporty look and powerful engines, and many people love it for its performance.
The Pontiac Firebird was a popular American muscle car produced from 1967 to 2002, known for its distinctive styling and performance. It often competed with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, making it a significant part of the muscle car legacy.
Ford GT40
"...that it all started then. Then in 1969, the Ford GT40, this is its last major victory. Now it won a lo..."
The Ford GT40 is a famous race car from the 1960s that won a lot of big races, especially against Ferrari. It's known for being very fast and is considered one of the best race cars ever made.
The Ford GT40 is a legendary race car that gained fame in the 1960s for its success at the Le Mans 24-hour race, defeating Ferrari. Its design and engineering were groundbreaking, making it a significant part of automotive history and a symbol of Ford's racing prowess.
Buick GNX
"Thank you. The GNX was released and it was a very unassuming. It wa..."
The Buick GNX is a special version of a Buick car from the 1980s that is known for being very fast. It looks pretty normal on the outside, but it has a powerful engine that makes it exciting to drive.
The Buick GNX, produced in 1987, is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal and is considered one of the most powerful American cars of its time. With its turbocharged V6 engine and understated appearance, it has become a collector's item and a symbol of 1980s American muscle.
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