Episodes

Dive into the world of bracket racing with Sarah Vadrin, president of the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge. This episode explores the club's unique racing format, which includes a variety of muscle cars and even some unexpected entries like a Chevy Volt. Sarah shares insights on the club's events, the camaraderie among members, and the competitive spirit that drives their races. With discussions on class structures, local tracks, and the challenges of racing in Texas heat, this episode is a must for anyone interested in grassroots motorsport culture.

China's EV sales have slowed sharply, with a significant drop in new energy vehicle market share and exports, prompting price cuts amid growing competition. The UAW urges higher tariffs on Chinese cars entering the US via Mexico to enforce trade agreements. Japanese automakers report strong profits boosted by a weak yen and recovering sales post-chip shortage. Ford shares cost-saving innovations, while Renault teases a new hybrid SUV with advanced features. SUVs dominate European sales, led by Tesla's Model Y. Stellantis sees growth in EV sales and plans to launch a new all-electric Lancia Epsilon. Industry experts will discuss these trends further on Auto Line After Hours.

Lottery talk kicks things off with Carter and the hosts debating the “fantasy” of winning versus the lottery curse and what they’d do with a billion dollars—then the conversation shifts into Carter Swan’s Hollywood journey. He details how he built a career across development and production, the influence of Paul Walker, and the decade-long grind behind adapting Gran Turismo. Carter breaks down why character and realism matter, how directors collaborate (and when they don’t), and why success is an ultra-marathon of resilience, preparation, and refusing to compromise quality.

John Venson from US News joins the crew to discuss the Best Cars for the Money awards, highlighting vehicles that offer the best value over five years. The conversation covers top picks like the Kia Telluride, Honda Passport, and the Honda Accord, emphasizing reliability and ownership costs. The episode also features a segment on military vehicles available for civilians, showcasing unique options like the Jeep Kaiser M715 and the M47 Patton tank. Additionally, the team debates the current state of electric vehicles and market readiness.

The episode covers the UAW's rapid push for unionization at VW's Chattanooga plant, Toyota's $1.3 billion investment in electric SUV production, and Ford's solid yet modest 2023 earnings compared to GM. It highlights ZF's $500 million investment in versatile transmissions, Daimler Truck's innovative liquid hydrogen refueling tech, and the debate over stricter EPA emissions rules for heavy-duty trucks. Updates on Ford's refreshed Puma, Chrysler's new minimalist logo, and Porsche's enhanced Taycan with improved range and power are also discussed. The episode previews a panel on EV market challenges and potential Chinese influence in North America.

Brandon Garcia joins the In Wheel Time Podcast live from the Grand National Roadster Show, discussing the Hemings Car Corral featuring stunning hot rods for sale. The conversation highlights the unique car culture in California compared to the East Coast, and the innovative Hemmings Payton Title service aimed at reducing transaction fraud in vehicle sales. Listeners will also hear about notable classic cars showcased at the event and the importance of community and storytelling in the automotive world.

Exploring the transformation of a 1965 Ford Mustang into a competitive time attack vehicle, Mike from DoSold Designs shares insights on modernizing the car's suspension and chassis. The discussion covers the challenges of upgrading the Mustang's outdated geometry, the benefits of using off-the-shelf parts, and the innovative use of electronic wastegate control for improved performance. With a focus on tuning and the unique engine setup, this episode highlights the blend of classic design with cutting-edge technology, making it a fascinating listen for those interested in automotive engineering.

Toyota's hybrid sales surge and favorable currency shifts fuel record profits, outpacing Tesla's margins. Aston Martin faces leadership turmoil with a search for a fourth CEO amid financial struggles and product delays. GM assures dealers of profitability in EV sales despite concerns over reduced service revenue. Stellantis explores monetizing vehicle data, while Ford enhances EV charging convenience via Tesla's Supercharger network. Mercedes launches its all-electric E Sprinter van in North America with limited battery options. Meanwhile, Polestar's EV sales face setbacks due to rental company Hertz pausing purchases. Continental unveils a robotic EV charger concept, and Audi debuts a high-performance RS6 Avant GT with upgraded power and styling.

Discover the best and worst states for drivers in the U.S. as Wallet Hub's Cassandra Happy shares insights from their latest research. Texas ranks high for car ownership, while Hawaii is at the bottom due to high costs and traffic issues. The episode also features a review of the redesigned 2024 Chevy Trax, highlighting its affordability and fuel efficiency. Tune in for engaging discussions on car culture, driving dynamics, and what makes each state unique for drivers.

The final episode of Rambling About Cars reflects on three years of automotive discussions, featuring the Mazda CX-70 and Lexus LBX Morzio RR. Hosts Christopher Smith and Chris Bruce reminisce about their favorite episodes, guests, and memorable moments, including a cheap car challenge and the pursuit of dream cars. They celebrate their journey, share insights on automotive culture, and tease future projects, ensuring fans that this isn't the end of their podcasting adventures.

The episode covers shifts in the automotive industry including a drop in catalytic converter thefts due to falling platinum and palladium prices driven by rising EV production. Hyundai plans a low-cost electric Casper for Europe, while Geely is building a satellite network to rival Starlink for autonomous vehicle navigation. GM is making OnStar features standard, and Ford reports mixed EV sales with hybrids surging. Lincoln aims for higher sales with new models. Toyota advances hydrogen infrastructure with scalable electrolyzers. The episode also discusses automated valet parking challenges and industry consolidation rumors involving Renault and Stellantis.

The episode features an engaging discussion about the upcoming Hot Rod Tour of Texas, highlighting its growth and excitement as it anticipates 350 cars and around 900 participants this year. Guests Bobby Sparkman and Jeremy Taylor share insights into the event's logistics, including new stops and activities, while also touching on the local community's involvement. Additionally, the hosts review the Genesis GV60 Performance SUV, detailing its features, performance, and pricing, making it a compelling choice in the luxury EV market.

The episode features an engaging discussion with members of the Woodlands High School Auto Enthusiasts Club, highlighting their passion for cars and community events. The hosts also delve into Tesla's recent recall of 2.2 million vehicles due to font size issues on warning lights, raising eyebrows about safety standards. Additionally, they touch on the growing interest in dash cams among drivers for both safety and entertainment. The episode balances light-hearted banter with insightful commentary on automotive culture and youth engagement in the car community.

Excitement builds as the hosts discuss the most anticipated cars arriving in 2024, including the new Mitsubishi Triton and Dark Horse Mustang. They share insights on the reliability of various models and the implications of Ford's new wet belt technology. The conversation also touches on the latest trends in electric vehicles, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the BYD Seal. With a mix of humor and automotive passion, the episode captures the essence of what's to come in the automotive world, making it a lively discussion for enthusiasts.

A lively discussion unfolds around the significance of bumper stickers and personal car expressions, sparked by a controversial story about a mother banned from a school drop-off for her OnlyFans sticker. The hosts debate societal sensitivities and the evolution of car technology, including distractions from touchscreens and the future of voice activation. They reminisce about the golden age of car commercials and product placements in movies that once excited car enthusiasts. The episode wraps up with reflections on the challenges of car maintenance and the need for better communication between vehicles and their owners.

Exploring the iconic R34 GTR, this episode dives into how enthusiasts can acquire their own. Hosts Bobby and Aaron share insights on the differences between importers and exporters, detailing the pros and cons of each route. They recommend reputable companies for sourcing these legendary cars and discuss financing and insurance options. The episode also touches on current market prices for R34 GTRs in Japan and the U.S., providing listeners with a comprehensive guide to navigating the process of owning this classic Japanese sports car.

The discussion covers the UAW's unionizing efforts at Hyundai's Alabama plant and challenges faced, including political opposition. Used car prices are easing but remain high, with supply tightening. GM remains committed to autonomous vehicles despite setbacks and regulatory scrutiny. Tesla faces a recall over dashboard font size and redesigns Cybertruck wheel covers. EV pickup demand outpaces production at Tesla and GM, leading to long wait times. US new car sales show mixed results, with dealers skeptical of aggressive EV pushes and favoring hybrids. Toyota's focus on hybrids gains traction amid slowing EV demand, especially in pickups. Buick expands EV charging in Brazil, while Toyota highlights plug-in hybrids as a practical truck solution.

The 2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe de Accelante is reviewed, showcasing its stunning design and luxury features. With a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 471 horsepower, the car offers a smooth and quiet ride, making it perfect for grand touring. Highlights include a striking new ultrasonic blue mica color, a glass roof, and a premium audio system. However, the lack of storage for personal items like phones is noted as a drawback. Comparisons are made with competitors like the BMW 8 and Porsche 911, emphasizing the LC 500's unique appeal in the luxury sports coupe market.

The episode dives deep into the Toyota Tacoma, showcasing its dominance in the midsize truck segment and the extensive redesign it underwent. Sheldon Brown, the Chief Engineer, discusses customer feedback that shaped the new Tacoma, emphasizing improvements in fuel efficiency, technology, and driveability. The conversation highlights unique features like the innovative Bluetooth speaker and isodynamic seats that enhance the driving experience. Additionally, they explore the Tacoma's hybrid powertrain, manual transmission options, and the brand's commitment to maintaining a loyal customer base while adapting to market trends.

Elon Musk plans to reincorporate Tesla in Texas following a Delaware court ruling against his pay package. Chinese EV sales appear inflated due to holiday timing, with month-over-month declines. A study highlights safety concerns as heavy EVs can breach guardrails. Polestar faces financial struggles and will be absorbed by Geely. Andretti's bid to join Formula 1 was rejected until 2028, with Cadillac's GM power unit possibly changing that. Lewis Hamilton may join Ferrari in 2025. BMW adopts new 3D tech for faster development. Ford refreshes the Explorer to boost profitability by simplifying trims and enhancing tech, while offering free Tesla charging adapters. Toyota's Tacoma dominates midsize pickups, with insights from its chief engineer featured on Autoline After Hours.

Dai Yoshihara shares his unlikely path from street racing in Japan to becoming a drifting legend in the U.S. after a chance invitation to compete, years of visa hurdles, and gradual sponsor support. He explains why he gravitated to drifting (a motorcycle ride sighting it on mountain roads), the role of the AE86 and drift culture influences like “Initial D,” and how drifting careers are shaped by money, networking, and relentless practice. He also discusses retiring from Formula Drift, stunt work for a Fast-style movie, balancing family life, and advice on pursuing dreams with kindness and persistence.

Michael Hopkins joins the Car Guy Coffee podcast to discuss the innovative strides at VINQ, a platform designed for automotive dealers. The conversation covers the launch of their new website, the consolidation of multiple tools into one system, and the introduction of a dealer-to-dealer trade network. The hosts emphasize the importance of collaboration in the industry and the need for dealers to adapt to changing market conditions. With insights on upcoming events like NADA and the significance of community in automotive, this episode offers valuable perspectives for dealers looking to enhance their operations.

Elon Musk's $55 billion Tesla pay package was voided by a Delaware judge amid shareholder concerns, though he may appeal. EV sales in California have dropped for two consecutive quarters, signaling a slowdown in a key market. GM plans to reintroduce plug-in hybrids in the US to meet emissions standards amid EV production challenges. Other highlights include Nissan's move to cheaper LFP batteries for emerging markets, BMW's refreshed 4 Series with mild hybrid tech, Jeep's upcoming 600-hp electric SUV, and Honda's wireless Apple CarPlay upgrade for older Accords. AI-driven video data curation for autonomous driving is also gaining traction.

Insights from the Houston Auto Show highlight the 2024 Lexus LC500, praised for its stunning design and performance features. The hosts discuss its powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, while also noting some minor drawbacks like limited storage. The episode features a guest from DC Powersportz, who shares their journey in custom motorcycles and boats, emphasizing the importance of customer service and community in the automotive world. The lively banter and expert opinions make for an engaging listen.