Brake pressure modulation is how cars adjust the force on the brakes quickly, especially when stopping suddenly. It helps keep the car steady and prevents the wheels from skidding.
A head-up display is a screen that shows important information right in front of you while you drive, so you don't have to look down at your dashboard. It helps you stay focused on the road.
Composite materials are made by combining different materials to create something stronger and lighter. They are often used in cars to improve performance and efficiency.
Carbon fiber is a special material that is very strong but also very light. It's used in cars to make them faster and more efficient without adding extra weight.
High performance cars are specially designed cars that can go really fast and handle well. They use the best technology and materials to make driving exciting.
Fuel injection systems help engines get the right amount of fuel they need to run efficiently. They are important for making cars powerful and fuel-efficient.
Electronic fuel injection is a way for cars to control how much fuel goes into the engine using computers. This helps the car run better and use less gas.
Route 66 is a famous road in America that used to connect Chicago and California. It's known for its history and the many interesting places you can visit along the way.
Car
Cadillac
Cadillac is a brand of luxury cars that are known for being high-end and stylish. They have been popular in America for many years.
Nano ceramic window tint is a special film you can put on your car windows to keep it cooler and protect you from the sun's rays. It helps keep the inside of your car from getting too hot.
Exo-Shield is a special film that you can put on your car's windshield to help protect it from getting damaged. It makes the glass stronger and less likely to crack.
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.
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that you can put on your car's paint to help protect it from scratches and dirt. It makes the car look shiny and new for longer.
A radar detector is a gadget that you can put in your car to help you know if police are using radar to check how fast you're going. It can help you avoid getting speeding tickets.
The Lexus LX 600 is a fancy SUV that is built for both driving on rough roads and providing a comfortable ride. It has a lot of space inside and comes with many high-tech features, making it a popular choice for people who want a luxury vehicle.
Body-on-frame means that the main part of the car (the body) is built on a strong frame underneath. This makes it tough and good for carrying heavy loads or going off-road.
The infotainment system is the technology in the car that lets you listen to music, get directions, and connect your phone. It's like a mini computer for your car.
A turbocharged V6 is a type of engine that has six cylinders and uses a turbo to make it more powerful. It helps the car go faster without needing a bigger engine.
A luxury SUV is a type of car that combines the space and utility of an SUV with high-quality features and comfort, making it more upscale than regular SUVs.
A trim package is a version of a car that comes with certain features and options. Different packages can make the car fancier or more basic, depending on what you choose.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a large and luxurious SUV that can carry many passengers and their belongings comfortably. It has a lot of high-end features and is designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, which is why it's often talked about alongside other expensive SUVs.
The BMW X7 is a big luxury SUV that combines a sporty feel with lots of comfort and high-tech features. It's made for those who want a premium driving experience.
The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV that stands out with its stylish design and lots of room inside. It's a favorite for those looking for a premium vehicle.
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designed to prevent aircraft wheels from walking up during landing. Space shuttles
needed similar technology for their runway touchdowns where precise braking
meant the difference between a successful landing or disaster. Modern cars use
the same principle for rapid rapid brake pressure modulation to maintain steering
control during emergency stops. Now you see that in that picture that's the motorcycle
hand a grip or a hand brake, same principle, same principle. So the next one
Mike is a head-up display which I use in my car all the time. Fighter jet spacecraft
pioneers brought this display technology to keep critical information in
pilot's line of sight without forcing them to look down at their instruments. NASA
refined this technology for space missions where astronauts needed to have
constant access to vital data while maintaining visual contact with their
surroundings. Modern luxury cars project speed navigation and warning information
onto the windshield allowing drivers to stay focused on the road. That's exactly
what mine looks like right there. That's perfect. The next one Mike is advanced
composite materials. Space programs needed for lightweight yet incredibly strong
materials led to the breakthroughs in carbon fiber and other composite
technologies. These materials had to withstand the extreme conditions of space
travel while keeping space weight to a minimum. Today's high performance cars use
the same composites in the body panels, chassis components and interior trim that
they use in aerospace. The materials provide superior strength to weight
ratios compared to traditional steel. So that's very important, that's very cool.
Next one Michael, fuel injection systems, rocket engines pioneered precise fuel
injection technology to achieve optimal combustion efficiency and power output.
NASA's on throttle control of the fuel metering systems for space engines is
influenced by automotive fuel technology and development. Modern cars can use
electronic fuel injection systems that trace their precision and efficiency back to
rocket engine technology. I want to put that in a car and just tub that out.
There you go. Improve tire technology. We all know this. NASA's lunar rover
program required tires that could handle the moon's safety information, safety
over rocky roads or airless environment without failing. Research of tire
compounds, tread patterns and construction techniques influence the earth-bound
tire development. So there you go. I wonder if there's still inflated up there
on the moon. No, they're wired. They're like a mesh. They're like a wire mesh.
From 1969. No, there's no air. It's a wire mesh. It's like a chain mail.
That's what the tires may not. Really. It's kind of like what you wear on Saturday night.
I've got the pair of underwear to match it right now. The chaplain. The chaplain.
Chain mail chaps. Yeah. But also wire drill, battery operated drills.
I'm trying to vision that in my mind. Please don't. I'm going to wear them next week.
Battery operated drills. What technician doesn't have that in there.
It's stuff like that. So it's very cool. That is very cool. That's a great story.
Thank you, sir. All right.
Let us do driving destinations. And today it's going to be Route 66 in Texas.
Now almost everybody has heard. If you drive cars or anything, you know what Route 66 is.
Well, it doesn't exist anymore. Well, it exists in pieces. But you know, it went from Chicago out to California.
It's how people got across the country for years. And it comes through Texas as well as several other states.
Now, I will admit up front, it's only 178 miles of it's in Texas. Well, there's a lot of stuff. No, that's all. That's all they ever was.
I see. So the first thing you're going to know, everybody's kind of heard of the Cadillac Ranch in your Amarillo.
It's been there. It's one of the Route 66 most iconic stops.
It was created in 1974 by a group of artists. It features 10 vintage Cadillacs buried nose first into the ground.
Travelers are encouraged to bring their own spray cans to leave their marks, make it ever changing canvas and coupler.
So the attraction symbolizes freedom, creativity, and the road trip spirit.
Now, the next stop is going to be the Doodrop Inn in Shamrock, Texas. Now, this is a shining example of Art Deco Architecture Long Route 66.
This was built in 1936. They're building originally housed at Cafe and a gas station.
Been restored to its former glory and now serves as a visitor center museum.
It's got bold neon signage and unique design that made it a model for Ramones House of Body Art in Pixar's Cars movie.
Now, today it represents both history and the modern nostalgia of the Mother Road.
Now, up in Adrian, Texas, it's the midpoint of Route 66.
Now, it proudly marks the midpoint, exactly 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles.
The midpoint cafe celebrates the state of the nation, serving classic American comfort food, including the famous ugly crust pie.
Now, traveler stop here for photos with the midpoint sign and to experience the two heart of the Mother Road.
Moving on to Vega, you're going to find the historic Magnolia gas station that's been restored in Vegas.
I hold the Vega one time, actually two of them.
We'll see, you could gone here and feel like you could ride it home.
There's my Vega and Vega.
Now, it was built in the 1920s. The small station provided fuel and service for countless road travelers.
Today, it's been rebuilt and it stands as a historical landmark and photo opportunity representing a small town charm that defines Texas stretch of Route 66.
Moving on to Amarillo.
Amarillo, they have a lot of neon and motor courts there and it preserves Route 66 classic roadside culture with those vintage motor courts and neon signs and diners along the historic six street district.
Now, you can walk this stretch and so it feels like you're stepping back in the golden era of American road trips with retro motels and teak shops and quirky eateries along the route.
And this is the welcome travelers just like they did years ago.
So if you want to, there's a few more stops, but that's a quick look at Route 66 through the state of Texas.
I was at the Cadillac Ranch about 17 years ago because my Kylie, she was born.
I went there. I was on a business trip and we went to Walmart, got shaker cans of paint. We went out there. You got a long walk from the road.
It's probably probably to the front of this property here at Hemie Highlight. You had to walk out to the real estate.
There's a path and you jump up on it and you start painting them. Now, it's a little different. They've got like a building where you can go use the restroom, like a little gift shop stuff.
Just down the road. It's not their own property, but yeah, I've been there. It's pretty neat.
You know, if you don't know what to expect, but you're just, you know, static Cadillacs in the ground.
Why not? Why not? And it's about each one of them.
We have very special guests coming your way.
We do. Right after a very quick break here on the in-wheel time car talk show. Stay with us.
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No sound.
Time after this hour's car review, I had a chance to drive the 2025 Lexus LX600.
Final assembly location, Toyota Iichi Japan.
Available trim levels, the premium, the F Sport Handling, and luxury. I had the premium.
It is a standard SUV body on frame. Seven passengers including the driver.
The exterior change as well. It was redesigned in 2022. This is the first opportunity I've had to drive this great big beautiful SUV.
Exterior features, overwhelming-sized spindle grill. Takes the entire front fascia. If that's your thing, then you can just go for it.
I would like a little bit more design, but it is what it is, and it kind of is the face of the entire Lexus lineup.
Over pronounced front wheel well openings, bulges if you will. Wheels are matched to the trim level that you get.
The rear tailgate and lighting is conservatively styled.
What I liked about it, the overall look is high-zute.
What could use improvement? Nothing. This is one good looking car.
SUV. Interior highlights.
Separate instrument cluster pod with infotainment and four-wheel drive control screen below that.
Screen controls are relatively easy to use and understand. The center storage doubles as a refrigerator.
Let me tell you something. It works so well. I forgot and put something in there. I put something in there.
I went and opened it up. It was ice cold.
There was that. You can either have it cold. You hit the button and the green light will come on.
It says you use a refrigerator. Keep a lunch in there. Among other things.
Cargo. Small area with the third row up compared to some of its competitors.
What I liked about it, the reserved opulence of the interior.
It's not overdone, but boy is it nice. What could use improvement?
The rear seat entertainment system is a $2700 option.
Just thought I'd throw that in there. But when you're spending this kind of money, yeah, what's $2700?
Here's something that was really surprising to me. It has a 3.4 liter turbocharged V6
that turns out 409 horsepower in 479 pound-feet of torque.
Wow.
It has a 10 speed automatic transmission that will tow four tons, eight thousand pounds.
So clearly this V6 is different than other V6s that I'm familiar with.
It acts, it feels like a V8 under the hood. 17 miles per gallon city, 22 on the highway for combined in 19.
I got 17.3 and no, I did not hot rod it. Drove it for 444.2 miles.
Again, it feels like a V8. That's what I really liked about that engine package.
What could use improvement? Nothing. I think that they scored a big hit with the V6 in this.
You remember that it used to have a V8. And the V8 was extremely thirsty. I think it got 13 miles to the gallon
so they've made some significant. Then you can see, if you're watching a video, you can see how big the grill is.
It's made like a snow cloud.
Yeah, kind of. What I liked about it, the spars ride and handling is concerned.
Very compliant ride and it feels a little bit top-heavy in the corners, but it is a luxury SUV.
I don't know who would buy this and take it off-road. I'm guessing that there's some people that would do that.
I think it's more about bragging rights that you've got an off-roader.
Maybe they're going to a ranch or something they own.
Well, that could be. I don't know how many of these sell through ranchers and stuff, but I'll tell you what, it is one nice vehicle.
What could use improvement? I think that they should consider an F-sport version or an over-trail trim package, something like that.
Here we go. Pricing. Base trim price. $114,500. Price is tested. Right up your alley, David.
$121,211. The base model price, if you just want to get in the stripper version, 107 450.
David, it prefers a stripper version.
Well, not that kind of stripper that you're talking about.
It is a nice car. Holy Toledo.
Okay, so here are some of the competitors. Mercedes-Benz GLS starts at $89.2.
BMW X7 starts at $84.3. Cadillac Escalade. Escalade for most people. $87.595.
I get a plus on this one.
I want to thank Lexus and the fine folks at Drive Shop for letting me have this thing for a week, because boy, it was really, really nice.
Next week we're going to review the new 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
The other in my review next week on that one. And that's this week's review of the 2025 Lexus LX 600.
Very cool. It is.
Boy, it was nice.
Can I just have that permanent? It was a nice car.
Yeah, please give it to me.
Long-term loan.
Research.
Hey, if you'd like to get in touch with us, send us an email.
The address here is info at nwheeltime.com.
We'll be right back after this brief break.
About this episode
Exploring the intersection of space technology and automotive innovation, this episode highlights how advancements from aerospace have influenced modern vehicles. Topics include the evolution of braking systems, head-up displays, and advanced materials like carbon fiber. The hosts also take listeners on a virtual tour of Route 66 through Texas, showcasing iconic stops like Cadillac Ranch and the Doodrop Inn. Additionally, a detailed review of the 2025 Lexus LX600 covers its luxurious features, impressive performance, and competitive pricing, making it a standout in the SUV market.
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 incredible attractions—from the iconic Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo to the exact midpoint between Chicago and Los Angeles in Adrian. We explore art deco architecture at the Dew Drop Inn, vintage gas stations, and the neon-lit motor courts that capture the golden era of American road trips.
We wrap up with an in-depth review of the 2025 Lexus LX 600, a $121,000 luxury SUV combining opulent features with impressive capability, including a powerful turbocharged V6 that rivals V8 performance. Want to learn more about how space exploration changed your daily drive? Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts and questions!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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