Rodeo Hats, Road Trips, And Hybrids? Yee Haw!
About this episode
The hosts kick off with lively rodeo-themed banter and share local Houston rodeo vibes before diving into automotive topics. Highlights include a preview of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross, updates on the upcoming Formula One season with Cadillac honoring Mario Andretti, and preparations for the spring car show and cruise season. They discuss maintenance tips like cleaning K&N air filters and share details about upcoming live remote broadcasts and car events in Texas, including the Mega Meat at Team Gilman and Tailpipes and Tacos shows. The episode blends car culture, local events, and practical advice with a fun, conversational tone.
Rodeo hats on, sleeves rolled up, and the garage door wide open—this one blends street-level car culture with the blunt truth about where the auto industry stands. We lay out why major automakers posted eye-popping EV write-downs and what that means for real buyers who just want reliability, value, and a car that fits their life. The takeaway is simple but powerful: the future isn’t either-or. Hybrids, EVs, and tried-and-true ICE models will share the road, and smart shoppers can use that variety to their advantage.
We map the season ahead—from the Team Gillman Mega Meet to Tailpipes and Tacos—and share a practical spring prep checklist you can tackle this weekend. Wash and decontaminate the paint, refresh trim, and give that K&N filter a proper clean and dry before a light re-oil to keep sensors happy. We also flag a surprising road-trip stat: a 648-mile stretch with no public restrooms. Planning matters, whether you’re managing bathroom breaks, plotting charging stops, or just making sure the kids don’t hit meltdown mile. Good prep turns long hauls into easy wins.
Our test drive of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE shows why sensible can still feel special. The two-tone look is sharp, the cabin is simple to live with, and the fuel economy makes daily driving painless. AWD and a refined ride help in bad weather, while pricing stays competitive against the Kia Niro and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Cargo with the rear seats up is tight and the CVT won’t thrill, but the balance of comfort, efficiency, and price lands in the sweet spot for commuters and small families.
We wrap with quick hits from the racing world, including the Andretti-linked Cadillac chassis naming, and a clear-eyed view of how policy and pricing shape demand. If you care about real ownership costs, weekend shows, and the next car that earns your driveway, you’ll find the signal here without the noise. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s car-curious, and drop a review telling us what you’re driving to your next cruise-in.
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Toyota Corolla Cross
"...is motor minute. I'll review the new 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross. And we hope to have a mystery guest join us."
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a small SUV that’s bigger than a regular car and good for families or carrying more things. It’s known for being reliable and easy to take care of. Many people like it because it’s practical and dependable.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that builds on the success of the Corolla sedan by offering more space and versatility. It combines Toyota’s reputation for reliability with a practical design, making it a strong contender in the growing compact SUV market.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...the celebrities sitting on the teetops of the 1977 Corvette or that's got, you know, fenders hanging off..."
The 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and sporty car made in the 1970s. It's known for its cool look and powerful engine.
The 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car from the C3 generation, known for its distinctive styling and V8 power. It represents the era's muscle and sports car culture.
427 Chevy
"Oh, 427 Chevy. And so anyway, there's the setup for today's show."
The 427 Chevy is a very big and powerful engine made by Chevrolet, used in fast cars from a long time ago.
The 427 Chevy refers to a 427 cubic inch (7.0 liter) Chevrolet big-block V8 engine, famous for its high performance and use in muscle cars and racing in the 1960s and 1970s.
Formula One
"Going through that, uh, you got formula one start in a couple of weeks and we're going to talk about that in the racing calendar,"
Formula One is a type of very fast car racing where the best drivers and teams from around the world compete in special races with very advanced cars.
Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA, featuring the fastest and most technologically advanced cars competing in a global championship.
chassis
"It's a Mac 26. Mac-26 chassis."
The chassis is like the car's skeleton that holds everything together, including the engine, wheels, and body.
A chassis is the main structural frame of a vehicle to which all other components are attached. In racing, the chassis design greatly affects the car's handling and safety.
Ferrari
"So you got the Ferrari engine, you got Cadillac, uh, Chassis"
Ferrari is a famous car company from Italy that makes very fast and fancy sports cars, often used in racing.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance engines and racing heritage, especially in Formula 1 and other motorsports.
Cadillac
"So you got the Ferrari engine, you got Cadillac, uh, Chassis"
Cadillac is a car brand that makes fancy and comfortable cars, mostly in the United States.
Cadillac is a luxury vehicle brand under General Motors, known for producing upscale cars and SUVs with a focus on comfort and technology.
open wheel racing
"been around since, you know, the sixties winning open wheel. In fact, open wheel talk about all that during racing, but, uh,"
Open wheel racing means racing cars that have their wheels sticking out and not covered by the body, like Formula 1 cars.
Open wheel racing refers to motorsport where the cars have exposed wheels, such as Formula 1 and IndyCar. These cars are designed for high speed and agility on race tracks.
cruise-in
""...and that is cruise in and car show season. Yes. And, um, you know...""
A cruise-in is when car lovers meet up and drive their cars together to hang out and look at each other's cars.
A cruise-in is a casual car gathering where enthusiasts drive their cars to a common location to socialize and show off their vehicles, often held during warmer months.
car show
""...and that is cruise in and car show season. Yes. And, um, you know...""
A car show is a place where people bring their cars to show them off and sometimes win prizes.
A car show is an event where car enthusiasts display their vehicles, often including competitions, awards, and socializing with other enthusiasts.
K and N
"And the other thing is that I need to do is I need to clean the K and N air filter, which has been a couple of years, but you have to understand."
K and N makes special air filters for cars that you can clean and use again instead of throwing them away. These filters help your car breathe better and can make it run smoother.
K and N is a well-known manufacturer of reusable high-performance air filters and intake systems for cars. Their air filters can be cleaned and re-oiled instead of replaced, which can improve airflow and engine performance.
electric vehicle
"Automakers are unwinding their electric vehicle. Bats."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas or diesel. It uses batteries to store power and electric motors to move the car.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered entirely or partially by electricity, typically using batteries and electric motors instead of internal combustion engines.
General Motors
"have stained the balance sheets of General Motors, Ford Motor"
General Motors is a big car company in the U.S. that makes many different cars and trucks.
General Motors (GM) is a major American automotive manufacturer known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
Ford Motor
"have stained the balance sheets of General Motors, Ford Motor"
Ford is a big company that makes cars and trucks, including some very popular ones.
Ford Motor Company is a leading American car manufacturer famous for models like the Mustang, F-150, and Explorer.
Dodge Challenger
"...celed the two most popular selling vehicles, the Challenger and the charger. $27 billion you said."
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks a bit like cars from the past and has a very strong engine. Many people like it because it’s fast and has a cool style. It’s one of the best-selling cars in its group.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and retro styling. It remains popular for enthusiasts who appreciate performance and bold design, often competing closely with its sibling, the Dodge Charger. Its strong sales reflect the enduring appeal of muscle cars in the modern market.
Dodge Charger
"...popular selling vehicles, the Challenger and the charger. $27 billion you said."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that can fit more people but still goes really fast like a sports car. It’s popular because it’s both powerful and useful for daily driving. Many people buy it because it’s fun and practical.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that combines muscle car performance with four-door practicality. It shares much of its design and powertrain options with the Challenger, making it a popular choice for those wanting performance with everyday usability. Its strong sales highlight its appeal in the performance sedan segment.
EV
"Automakers still plan to channel some profits from their gasoline vehicles into EV and battery development and continue pushing for lower costs."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. Car makers are working on these cars and their batteries to make them better and cheaper.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a car powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of gasoline. Automakers are investing in EV and battery development to meet future market demands and regulatory requirements.
zero emission regulations
"The charges follow years of dotting up EV development to keep up with increasingly stringent zero emission regulations in the U.S."
These are rules that say cars can't release harmful gases into the air. So, car makers have to make cars that don't pollute, like electric cars.
Zero emission regulations are government rules that require vehicles to produce no tailpipe emissions, aiming to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. These regulations are pushing automakers to develop cleaner technologies such as electric vehicles.
Tesla
"Tesla and start up EV manufacturers, Rivian and Lucid"
Tesla makes electric cars that run on batteries instead of gas, and they are very popular for their technology and range.
Tesla is a leading electric vehicle manufacturer known for popularizing electric cars with long range and advanced technology.
Lucid Motors
"Tesla and start up EV manufacturers, Rivian and Lucid"
Lucid Motors makes fancy electric cars that run on batteries and can go far without needing to recharge.
Lucid Motors is a startup electric vehicle company known for luxury electric sedans with high performance and long range.
Rivian
"Tesla and start up EV manufacturers, Rivian and Lucid"
Rivian is a newer company that makes electric trucks and SUVs, which are cars powered by batteries instead of gas.
Rivian is a startup electric vehicle manufacturer focusing on electric trucks and SUVs with off-road capabilities.
battery range
"citing higher purchase prices and concerns about battery range and charging speeds."
Battery range means how far an electric car can go before its battery runs out and it needs to be charged again.
Battery range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge before needing to recharge.
federal fuel economy standards
"President Trump also moved quickly in his second term to relax federal regulations, ending penalties for non-compliance with fuel economy standards and scuttling that $7,500 federal"
These are rules made by the government to make sure cars use less gas and pollute less.
Federal fuel economy standards are government regulations that set minimum efficiency requirements for vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
non-compliance penalties
"President Trump also moved quickly in his second term to relax federal regulations, ending penalties for non-compliance with fuel economy standards and scuttling that $7,500 federal"
If car makers don't follow the government's rules about gas use, they have to pay fines called penalties.
Non-compliance penalties are fines or sanctions imposed on automakers who fail to meet government fuel economy or emissions standards.
combustion vehicles
"converting some factory space back to combustion vehicles and canceling entire programs."
Combustion vehicles are regular cars that run on gas or diesel fuel, not electricity.
Combustion vehicles are traditional cars powered by internal combustion engines that burn gasoline or diesel fuel to generate power.
production capacity
"automakers are reassessing how much production capacity they need, converting some factory space back to combustion vehicles and canceling entire programs."
Production capacity means how many cars a factory can make in a certain amount of time.
Production capacity refers to the maximum number of vehicles a factory can manufacture within a given time period.
light vehicle market
"buyers registered 1.3 million EVs in 25 for a 7.8% share of the new light vehicle market down slightly from 8% in 24 according to S&P global mobility data."
The light vehicle market means all the regular cars and small trucks people buy to drive around.
The light vehicle market includes passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks, which are vehicles typically used for personal transportation.
GM
"GM disclosed more than $7 billion in EV related charges for"
GM is a big American car company that makes brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac. They are working a lot on electric cars.
GM, or General Motors, is a major American automotive manufacturer known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. They are heavily investing in electric vehicle development.
Stellantis
"Stellantis previewed $26 billion in charges February 6th ahead of releasing its full 2025 financial results later this month."
Stellantis is a big car company made when two other car companies joined together. They make many different cars and trucks under different brand names.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, owning brands like Jeep, Ram, and Peugeot.
Honda Prologue
"...g compensation for GM is it winds down the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX EV programs they code develop."
The Honda Prologue is a new electric SUV that Honda is making to help people drive without using gas. Recently, Honda decided to slow down or stop working on this model for now, which might change when it comes out.
The Honda Prologue is an upcoming electric SUV representing Honda’s push into the EV market. The reference to winding down its program suggests changes or delays in Honda’s electric vehicle plans, which could impact future availability and development.
Acura Zdx
"...n for GM is it winds down the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX EV programs they code develop."
The Acura ZDX is a fancy SUV that looks a bit like a sports car and has many modern features. Recently, the company decided to stop working on its electric version to focus on other projects.
The Acura ZDX is a luxury crossover SUV that was notable for its coupe-like styling and advanced features. The recent mention relates to Acura’s plans to wind down the ZDX EV program, indicating a shift in their electric vehicle development strategy.
range anxiety
""Yeah, man, if you were in an EV and you had range anxiety on top of bathroom anxiety, you'd just be in big trouble.""
Range anxiety means worrying that your electric car might run out of battery before you can charge it again. This can make people nervous about driving far in electric cars.
Range anxiety is the fear or concern that an electric vehicle (EV) will run out of battery power before reaching a charging station or destination. It is a common issue among EV drivers, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
trim levels
"Comes in three trim levels, the S, the SE and the XSE."
Trim levels are different versions of the same car that come with more or fewer features. For example, some might have nicer seats or better technology.
Trim levels refer to different versions of a car model that offer varying features, equipment, and sometimes performance options. For the Corolla Cross, trims include S, SE, and XSE, which differ in amenities and styling.
subcompact SUV
"Small or subcompact SUV is what it categorizes as."
A subcompact SUV is a small type of SUV that’s easy to drive and park but still has room for passengers and cargo.
A subcompact SUV is a small sport utility vehicle that offers more space and higher seating position than a sedan but is smaller than a compact SUV. The Corolla Cross fits into this category.
all wheel drive
"151 pound feet of torque, but it does have a CVT transmission in it. And it is all wheel drive. So there's that."
All wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels, helping it grip the road better, especially in slippery or rough conditions.
All wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Subaru Crosstrek
"...0,000 mark. Competitors, the Keanero, the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which is the ..."
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV that can drive well on different road types, like dirt or snow. The hybrid model uses both gas and electricity to save fuel. It’s a popular choice for people who want a reliable and safe car.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive capability and rugged styling. The hybrid version offers improved fuel efficiency while maintaining Subaru’s reputation for safety and versatility, making it a strong competitor in the small SUV segment.
Toyota RAV4
"...anero, the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which is the most expensive in the compa..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people buy because it’s reliable and doesn’t use too much gas. The hybrid version uses both gas and electricity to save fuel. It’s a popular and trusted car for families.
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling compact SUVs globally, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The hybrid version is particularly popular for offering better fuel economy, making it a benchmark in the hybrid SUV segment.
Mazda 3
"...e in the comparisons. Next week, I'll review the Mazda 3 sedan. Yes, they still do."
The Mazda RX-3 is an older sporty car that uses a special kind of engine called a rotary engine, which is different from most cars. People like it because it’s fun to drive and rare. It’s a cool car for collectors.
The Mazda RX-3 is a classic rotary-engine car from the 1970s, celebrated for its unique engine design and sporty handling. It holds a special place in automotive history as one of Mazda’s early rotary-powered vehicles, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors today.
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