Entertaining Car Talk!
Jeep Thrills at the Houston Auto Show: The Adventure Begins
Jeep Thrills at the Houston Auto Show: The Adventure Begins
Thank you for joining us on this replay of some of our favorite interviews from the 2025 Houston Auto show. We have included a NEW review …
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March 4, 2025

Jeep Thrills at the Houston Auto Show: The Adventure Begins

Jeep Thrills at the Houston Auto Show: The Adventure Begins
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In Wheel Time Podcast

Thank you for joining us on this replay of some of our favorite interviews from the 2025 Houston Auto show.  We have included a NEW review of the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid from our Host, Don Armstrong.

Get ready to rev your engines and fuel your passion for adventure in this episode that takes you inside the 42nd Annual Houston Auto Show. From the striking presence of the Stellantis booth to the exhilarating rides at Camp Jeep, we uncover what makes this event a true celebration of automotive culture and camaraderie. 

Our team gets exclusive access to firsthand accounts from professional drivers who divulge the secrets behind Jeep's technological advancements, enriching our understanding along the way. 

Discover the joy of attending an auto show where passion meets engineering. This episode not only showcases exhilarating driving experiences but also highlights the importance of community spirit among car lovers. 

Whether you're a die-hard Jeep enthusiast or simply curious about the latest trends in automotive engineering, this episode promises insights and engaging stories that will captivate your interest. Join us, and don’t forget to share your experiences or favorite Jeep models with us after listening! Subscribe for more thrilling automotive adventures and exclusive insights!

Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!

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Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to the 42nd Annual Houston Auto Show

19:09 - The Award

23:31 - Interviews with Auto Show Participants

29:03 - Driving the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 392: My Experience

36:09 - Understanding the Jeep Experience at Camp Jeep

56:07 - The Motor Minute: Special Auto Show Insights

Transcript
WEBVTT

00:00:01.060 --> 00:00:19.085
Welcome to another In Wheel Time podcast, a 30-minute mini version of the In Wheel Time Car Show that airs live every Saturday morning 8 to 11 am, central From the 42nd Annual Houston Auto Show.

00:00:19.085 --> 00:00:22.914
This is the award-winning In Wheel Time Car Talk Show.

00:00:22.914 --> 00:00:28.628
Just ahead we've got interviews with some of the participant manufacturers and others here at today's show.

00:00:28.628 --> 00:00:35.692
Also, I'll give you my thoughts on driving the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 392.

00:00:35.692 --> 00:00:40.728
Oh, and the 392 is not how long it is.

00:00:41.509 --> 00:00:42.192
It's not a wheelbase.

00:00:42.192 --> 00:00:43.664
No, it's not a wheelbase.

00:00:43.924 --> 00:00:46.246
It's not the weight, it's the engine size And's not a wheelbase.

00:00:46.246 --> 00:00:48.240
No, it's not a wheelbase, it's not the weight, it's the engine size and it's a hot rod.

00:00:48.240 --> 00:00:55.670
They put that engine in the Super B and let me tell you something it bad, it real bad.

00:00:55.670 --> 00:00:59.810
Jeff has the Motor Minute on this segment of the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show.

00:00:59.810 --> 00:01:02.381
Howdy, along with Mike out of this rural Mars, we always need Jeff Zekin Chief.

00:01:02.381 --> 00:01:04.441
Along with Mike, out of this rural Mars, we always need Jeff Zekin Chief Engineer.

00:01:04.441 --> 00:01:10.644
David Ainsley has joined us fresh from the bed this morning and I'm, don Armstrong, glad that you could join us.

00:01:10.644 --> 00:01:11.945
Thank you very much.

00:01:11.945 --> 00:01:15.328
In the hot seat right now, our first interview of the day.

00:01:15.328 --> 00:01:19.810
Hmm, can't imagine why we're going to make this the Jeep segment.

00:01:19.810 --> 00:01:20.250
Why?

00:01:20.250 --> 00:01:27.114
Because we are in the Stellantis booth and more specifically in the Jeep booth here at the Houston Auto Show.

00:01:27.114 --> 00:01:34.177
You've got all of the Jeeps here and they've got Camp Jeep right over there, right yonder.

00:01:34.558 --> 00:01:36.298
Right yonder, and they're lining up already.

00:01:36.819 --> 00:01:39.429
Oh yeah, they opened the doors and folks just rushed over to this area.

00:01:39.448 --> 00:01:39.790
That's right.

00:01:39.790 --> 00:01:41.266
It's like Disneyland.

00:01:41.266 --> 00:01:45.831
You know when they first opened the gate at Disneyland and everybody rushes to their favorite place.

00:01:45.831 --> 00:01:49.930
You know Pirates of the Caribbean or Space Mountain or whatever it is.

00:01:50.049 --> 00:01:50.570
The restroom.

00:01:50.719 --> 00:01:52.864
Don goes to Tiny Tots Town or whatever.

00:01:52.864 --> 00:01:54.066
Yeah.

00:01:55.129 --> 00:01:57.713
Thank you, I do With my grandson.

00:01:58.420 --> 00:01:59.522
Just to make it clear.

00:01:59.522 --> 00:02:02.894
I knew that Did I leave that out, you sick old man, it's all right.

00:02:03.379 --> 00:02:03.680
Sorry.

00:02:03.941 --> 00:02:04.462
At any rate.

00:02:04.462 --> 00:02:08.149
So Benny Munguia, from ready drum roll.

00:02:08.550 --> 00:02:08.991
South.

00:02:09.110 --> 00:02:10.373
Padre Island.

00:02:10.493 --> 00:02:10.753
Texas.

00:02:10.979 --> 00:02:12.985
Who do you know from South Padre Island?

00:02:13.506 --> 00:02:15.670
You, this guy right here yeah.

00:02:16.032 --> 00:02:16.592
South Padre.

00:02:16.900 --> 00:02:47.772
You know you're the only person that I have ever known, met or been in touch with and seen from South padre I actually have a cousin that lives in south padre I was born and raised here, but once I moved down to the valley I was like south padre, I can't, yeah you know it's kind of looking for a nice deep, dark hawaiian tan, but I'm not seeing that right now easy, easy just yeah I haven't been around home for months.

00:02:48.120 --> 00:02:48.441
Are you on the?

00:02:48.481 --> 00:02:51.385
road with Jeep all the time For the last couple months.

00:02:51.385 --> 00:02:56.250
Yes, so it's been an interesting tour.

00:02:56.250 --> 00:02:57.612
I would say yeah, yeah.

00:02:58.121 --> 00:03:23.870
Well, I know that on the road that you have to read about your company a lot because there's been lots of changes with Stellantis here in the past month and a half or so, they fired Louie Prima and he's gone, and now we've got somebody from the US of A heading things up and we are really excited because I think that the turnaround is going to be jaw-dropping in the coming months.

00:03:23.870 --> 00:03:29.292
They've already made announcements regarding advertising, the whole new push.

00:03:29.292 --> 00:03:34.449
It's going to be good, but in the meantime and in between time, camp Jeep.

00:03:34.449 --> 00:03:38.330
Why is it that everybody comes over here and wants to?

00:03:38.330 --> 00:03:42.430
Because this is not the only ride and drive, if you want to call it that.

00:03:42.430 --> 00:03:48.092
This is not the only one, because there's lots of them outdoors, indoors, but always Camp Jeep.

00:03:48.600 --> 00:04:18.069
Yeah, it's just a unique-looking obstacle illusion that you're looking at, but it's not an illusion, of course, but it's something that it's rare that you get to see in auto shows Describe what it is what it is is an experience for people to come over, and you're getting specs, you're getting knowledge, as well as going obstacles, like going over the breakover, where you have your wheel up in the air and they explain why.

00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:20.880
So the passengers go with a professional driver or do?

00:04:20.880 --> 00:04:21.925
The folks drive it themselves?

00:04:21.925 --> 00:04:23.487
They go with the professional driver.

00:04:24.180 --> 00:04:26.608
Are you one of the professional drivers I used to be?

00:04:26.608 --> 00:04:27.449
I used to be.

00:04:27.449 --> 00:04:31.531
I still do it here and there when I want to have fun.

00:04:32.779 --> 00:04:34.494
You want to scare the you-know-what out of the people.

00:04:34.494 --> 00:04:37.949
Oh, yeah, yeah, I've been doing it for so many years, but I love it, I love it.

00:04:38.139 --> 00:04:39.461
I mean, I can't beat it.

00:04:39.482 --> 00:04:40.463
So do you demonstrate?

00:04:40.463 --> 00:04:45.814
Demonstrate things like the disconnect for the sway bar and stuff like that.

00:04:45.973 --> 00:04:49.600
Yes, sir, disconnection of the sway bar and why is that important?

00:04:49.680 --> 00:04:52.168
For those that don't know, why is that important?

00:04:52.699 --> 00:04:57.146
It's just a lot of people don't know about it Half the people, I would say.

00:04:57.146 --> 00:05:02.574
So we explain it how it works, how it disconnects and the importance of why it disconnects.

00:05:02.656 --> 00:05:10.209
Right right, because it keeps that other wheel on the ground, yeah, when typically it would not in a car or something else.

00:05:10.350 --> 00:05:11.906
Yeah, it tends to work four by four.

00:05:11.906 --> 00:05:14.588
Yeah, you know four wheels on the ground, there you go, yeah.

00:05:16.682 --> 00:05:21.874
What is the gain as far as inches or feet when you disconnect the sway bar?

00:05:22.720 --> 00:05:25.088
It's, I believe, 33 inches or so.

00:05:25.088 --> 00:05:25.850
That's huge.

00:05:25.850 --> 00:05:33.670
Yeah, it's a good drop, but it helps when you're going in angles so you don't have that tire up in the air, so you have more control.

00:05:34.100 --> 00:05:36.225
Now are all of these vehicles over there?

00:05:36.225 --> 00:05:38.029
Are they all Jeep Wranglers?

00:05:38.029 --> 00:05:38.971
No, no.

00:05:39.384 --> 00:05:40.139
We got Wranglers.

00:05:40.139 --> 00:05:45.733
We do also have Gladiators and the Grand Cherokees.

00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:48.605
Now, does the Gladiator also have an option?

00:05:48.605 --> 00:05:52.331
I would assume a detachable sway bar.

00:05:52.331 --> 00:05:53.754
Yes, really yes.

00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:56.069
So the Gladiator is just like a Wrangler.

00:05:56.069 --> 00:05:58.788
It's just a truck with a five-foot bed in the back.

00:06:00.021 --> 00:06:03.771
And I've read and we've actually had them and we've talked about it.

00:06:03.771 --> 00:06:07.990
It is not just a truck bed on the back of a Wrangler.

00:06:07.990 --> 00:06:11.170
It is designed as the truck.

00:06:11.170 --> 00:06:12.862
It does not.

00:06:12.862 --> 00:06:16.173
You just don't pick the body up off of it and move it over to the Wrangler.

00:06:17.718 --> 00:06:20.928
Right, right, yeah, it's very similar to it.

00:06:20.928 --> 00:06:32.009
It's just a little bit more extension to it, but it does quite a bit just about the same, even though it's a little bit longer wheelbase, right, so it does feel just a little different.

00:06:32.009 --> 00:06:33.089
Yeah, just a little different.

00:06:33.209 --> 00:06:34.411
So what are they going to experience?

00:06:34.411 --> 00:06:36.833
You said I see there's something like an incline, an access.

00:06:36.833 --> 00:06:42.437
You've dressed down a hill, you've got bumps and things to go over.

00:06:42.920 --> 00:06:44.103
Yeah, so we, yeah.

00:06:44.103 --> 00:06:45.649
So we have our 18-foot high hill.

00:06:45.649 --> 00:06:51.242
Obviously, that's the most attractive thing you could see with 35-degree angles on it.

00:06:51.242 --> 00:06:55.002
Obviously, we have 4x4 all the way around the track, 4x4 low.

00:06:55.002 --> 00:06:57.845
We also have what we call the breakover.

00:06:57.845 --> 00:07:01.550
That's where we actually show the disconnection of the sway bar.

00:07:01.550 --> 00:07:04.408
It shows you the stretching.

00:07:04.740 --> 00:07:05.949
The articulation of it yeah, the articulation of the sway bar so it shows you the the stretching the articulation of it.

00:07:05.949 --> 00:07:12.023
Yeah, the articulation of the front is this size typical of what you do at other shows, or is this larger, smaller average?

00:07:12.244 --> 00:07:16.392
it's about average, average, same yeah yeah, we do have a different type of hills.

00:07:16.392 --> 00:07:19.326
We have a smaller hill and we have a bigger hill.

00:07:19.326 --> 00:07:24.487
Uh, fortunately it doesn't fit in here because it's pretty pretty big, tall hill.

00:07:25.848 --> 00:07:31.156
So Jeep people I can see Jeep people are going to pretty well know what you're talking about when you're talking about disconnecting sway bars.

00:07:31.156 --> 00:07:36.728
But what about somebody that's pretty new, I mean, do they seem to kind of grasp what you're saying?

00:07:37.281 --> 00:07:50.793
Yeah, and that's kind of one of the big points that we do is try to explain people about what this is and what this does and what this other thing does, you know, as far as, like, sway bar axle locks, you know.

00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:55.970
And then you can kind of show them the result of doing that because of your setup over here.

00:07:55.970 --> 00:07:58.547
Yeah, that's pretty cool yeah different type of trim levels.

00:07:58.680 --> 00:07:58.841
You know.

00:07:58.860 --> 00:08:11.430
There's Rubicon, Saharas, there's sports, you know, you know it's interesting because I think back on the beginning of the civilian style jeep, when it first came on the market.

00:08:11.430 --> 00:08:18.072
It was pretty much just a mimic of the military but it had a few more options on it.

00:08:18.072 --> 00:08:24.668
But you still had to get out and go to the lockers up front, yeah to get them lock.

00:08:24.668 --> 00:08:26.333
You don't have to do any of that anymore.

00:08:26.333 --> 00:08:32.585
All of it's done from the driver's seat and it's all electronic and it works really well.

00:08:32.846 --> 00:08:34.610
Yeah, yeah, it's excellent.

00:08:34.610 --> 00:08:35.061
I mean it's.

00:08:35.061 --> 00:08:38.991
I hate to say it, but it's pretty lazy nowadays.

00:08:39.302 --> 00:08:40.470
so you just press a button, you know, Right.

00:08:40.470 --> 00:09:08.022
The other thing that I did want to mention and I'll mention it in my review is the fact that the new infotainment system and we're going to talk about the info part of the infotainment system especially when it comes to the upper-end Wranglers not only are you able to control all of the different functions of the four-wheel drive, you can actually see it on the display what you're doing.

00:09:08.022 --> 00:09:11.910
Yes, it shows you that, and that's a relatively new thing.

00:09:11.910 --> 00:09:15.445
Yeah, and it's kind of evolved over the past few years, hasn't it?

00:09:15.586 --> 00:09:15.966
yeah, it's.

00:09:15.966 --> 00:09:23.729
It's pretty awesome just to see that and shows you how, what degrees you're doing and you know vertically, horizontally.

00:09:23.729 --> 00:09:26.793
Uh, it's a great feature.

00:09:26.793 --> 00:09:39.714
Now they have like different screens nowadays, so it shows you more clarity, the roll angle, the yaw, the all of the stuff that you hear the space shuttle, yeah, yeah yeah, it is very cool

00:09:39.854 --> 00:09:42.621
houston style yes, yeah, exactly, well, you know.

00:09:42.621 --> 00:09:43.604
That's the other thing too.

00:09:43.604 --> 00:09:45.265
Why would you need a Jeep Wrangler?

00:09:45.285 --> 00:09:51.836
a 392 in Houston, texas, that's flat as a board Because you can, because you can, because you can.

00:09:52.100 --> 00:10:01.144
And the 392 is just a little overkill, I think, for rock crawling, yeah, but it sure does go fast on the street, oh yeah.

00:10:01.326 --> 00:10:03.509
And that's what I'm talking about in Houston, Texas.

00:10:03.509 --> 00:10:04.530
Get to the rocks quicker.

00:10:04.530 --> 00:10:06.053
That's what it is.

00:10:06.053 --> 00:10:06.634
Yeah, yeah.

00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:22.086
Well, here I think it's mostly about the beach, and you see so many guys with 4x4s and, in particular, the Wranglers at the beach Dune crawling, and you know all about that down at South Padre Island.

00:10:22.086 --> 00:10:24.610
Oh yeah, they probably have courses down there, don't?

00:10:24.630 --> 00:10:25.172
they and clubs.

00:10:25.172 --> 00:10:28.302
They have a little bit of clubs.

00:10:28.302 --> 00:10:30.890
I think Houston has more clubs than we have down there Right.

00:10:31.139 --> 00:10:37.048
But as far as courses are concerned, yeah, usually you could just find it.

00:10:37.048 --> 00:10:47.153
Yeah, because I mean, from my knowledge, that you can't go too deep into the dunes, because then the Parks and Wildlife Department will get after you.

00:10:47.153 --> 00:10:50.250
Because you don't want to tear that up and mess that up.

00:10:50.250 --> 00:11:01.159
So I would imagine that somewhere down there that you haven't discovered yet, there's got to be a closed course that they can manipulate the sand so you can do your thing in your new Wrangler.

00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:14.542
I've got a friend of mine, an acquaintance, that actually belongs to a club, and they go out to West Texas, they go to Moab, they have big events out there as well, and they've all got custom fiberglass, all this other stuff on there.

00:11:14.581 --> 00:11:16.008
Now Jeep goes out to Moab.

00:11:16.008 --> 00:11:19.284
Oh yeah, they're big out there, yeah they have a Jeep Safari down there.

00:11:19.284 --> 00:11:19.927
Absolutely.

00:11:25.100 --> 00:11:25.561
You ever been on that?

00:11:25.561 --> 00:11:25.942
Yeah, I have, I have.

00:11:25.942 --> 00:11:27.164
I've been there twice or three times, I believe.

00:11:27.164 --> 00:11:35.346
It's incredible just to see thousands and thousands of Jeeps, and you got Willys and 1942s and you have these little clubs.

00:11:36.461 --> 00:11:37.667
Spotters and all that.

00:11:38.181 --> 00:11:39.164
It's pretty cool.

00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:43.898
Well, I will tell you that years ago I belonged to an organization I won't name which one it is.

00:11:43.898 --> 00:11:45.301
Mars knows tell you that years ago I belonged to an organization I won't name which one it is.

00:11:45.301 --> 00:12:04.827
Mars knows that we were relegated to a very elevation savvy ranch and it was always so much fun to take that Wrangler on the hill climb part of it.

00:12:04.827 --> 00:12:08.822
It wasn't a huge elevation, but I will tell you it was.

00:12:08.822 --> 00:12:10.802
You had to be pretty savvy.

00:12:10.802 --> 00:12:19.424
We've also been up on a mountaintop where you have to have spotters because otherwise, if you didn't have a spotter, you could roll off that mountain real easily.

00:12:20.480 --> 00:12:22.642
And some of this stuff gets pretty serious.

00:12:22.642 --> 00:12:28.259
And these guys that customize their Wranglers, you're going oh my God, how much money you got in that thing.

00:12:28.961 --> 00:12:40.846
But the thing I think about and they talk about when you're on one of these trails and there's four or five, or a group or your club is out there and you break, how are you going to get back, how are you going to pull your rig out of there?

00:12:40.846 --> 00:12:43.727
That's always a question that concerns me.

00:12:43.788 --> 00:12:54.764
to do that Well, that would be your winch well yeah winch, but you know how many, so how long is going to take to get you out of there if you're deep back in that, if you're stuck in there and your jeep's broke down.

00:12:55.105 --> 00:13:02.743
You don't care how long it takes to get out, as long as you get out all right, and you can call a wrecker, okay, and we've we've witnessed that yeah, we had.

00:13:02.763 --> 00:13:04.923
We had somebody that went down in the riverbed.

00:13:04.923 --> 00:13:07.505
They said stay close to the shore, did they?

00:13:07.505 --> 00:13:11.128
No, put it right down in the deep part of the river.

00:13:11.128 --> 00:13:11.548
You know what?

00:13:11.587 --> 00:13:12.708
I'm talking about.

00:13:13.489 --> 00:13:19.312
They pulled it out, cleaned out, dried out the air cleaner element started right up the way they went.

00:13:19.673 --> 00:13:38.600
I mean, the good thing now, too, is that they have a front camera they can use yes, I saw that and even if it gets muddy or wet or whatever you want to call it, there's a little spray on it, so it can wash off the mud so you can actually still see everything in front of you, which is a great idea.

00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.582
You know you're talking about.

00:13:39.602 --> 00:13:41.710
they go to West Texas and they go to North Texas.

00:13:41.710 --> 00:13:57.160
Apparently, there's a lot of stuff up in oklahoma as well, but it's such a difference that, like don said, the few times that we've been able to go someplace besides the sand and the flat texas here on the coast, rock climbing is just a totally different thing.

00:13:57.160 --> 00:14:06.248
Experience, yeah, and it's uh, the first couple of times I did it, I I was pretty impressed that, you know, the je Jeep would do it, because I didn't think it would.

00:14:06.248 --> 00:14:08.548
And he's got, I don't know, go on up there, you don't have to worry about it.

00:14:09.780 --> 00:14:10.783
So you all opened.

00:14:10.783 --> 00:14:11.707
You all started Wednesday.

00:14:11.707 --> 00:14:13.451
Correct you loaded in and started Wednesday.

00:14:13.451 --> 00:14:19.937
Right, right correct so has it been more guests coming or less, or on average for?

00:14:19.979 --> 00:14:20.340
folks visiting.

00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:26.842
It's been pretty average, Obviously today's Saturday, so hopefully it'll pick up a lot more, oh yeah.

00:14:26.863 --> 00:14:37.129
This afternoon is going to be nuts, it's going to be crazy, and let's not forget that you've got the big guns across the way over NRG Stadium.

00:14:37.528 --> 00:14:38.349
Oh yeah.

00:14:38.889 --> 00:14:40.971
With the trucks Monster truck.

00:14:41.010 --> 00:14:41.990
Monster truck show.

00:14:41.990 --> 00:14:46.394
Yeah, yeah, we can't compete by those you can Just, you can Just run underneath them.

00:14:47.053 --> 00:14:55.399
The fun part about this weekend is that you've got the monsters across the street and if you want to make a weekend of automotive, so to speak.

00:14:55.399 --> 00:14:57.399
This is the place Yep.

00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:57.860
Nrg, NRG.

00:14:58.419 --> 00:15:04.386
You know one thing that 392's got it's got a performance exhaust button Makes it considerably louder.

00:15:04.386 --> 00:15:15.649
You know more performance, right, you know, if you wanted to compete with the monsters, you could go in there and get a Sawzall and cut the mufflers and the cats off of the jeeps you know, as you're going around, don't give anybody any ideas, mars, I'm just thinking.

00:15:16.299 --> 00:15:17.441
I think that's against the law.

00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:19.280
Yeah, but we're inside the building.

00:15:19.280 --> 00:15:20.221
You're not on the street.

00:15:20.682 --> 00:15:22.162
Okay, Well that's great.

00:15:22.162 --> 00:15:26.823
I'm sure the Houston Police Department appreciates you talking about Kevin.

00:15:26.823 --> 00:15:47.773
I saw a couple of sheriffs walking through here just eyeballing you, okay so let everybody know, if you come out which we hope that you do to experience the Houston Auto Show, that when you enter the front of the building, go all the way to the right back quarter, and that's where we are and that's where Camp Jeep is.

00:15:47.773 --> 00:15:49.033
Yes, sir.

00:15:49.293 --> 00:15:49.953
Can't miss it.

00:15:49.953 --> 00:15:51.995
You got hot dogs over there.

00:15:52.495 --> 00:15:53.235
I wish we did.

00:15:53.235 --> 00:15:55.696
I'm hungry, well, right over.

00:15:55.735 --> 00:15:57.136
There is the concession booth.

00:15:57.216 --> 00:15:58.298
I tell you what Hot dogs.

00:15:58.298 --> 00:15:59.638
We got donuts back here you want to grab?

00:15:59.677 --> 00:16:00.057
a donut.

00:16:00.217 --> 00:16:01.078
Yeah, as always.

00:16:02.721 --> 00:16:03.783
Yeah, that's the best we got today.

00:16:03.802 --> 00:16:04.905
Benny, thanks so much for joining us today.

00:16:04.926 --> 00:16:07.030
Thank you, gentlemen, it's always a pleasure to talk to you, my friend.

00:16:07.030 --> 00:16:07.692
Thank you, guys.

00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:09.024
We're going to let Mike take a ride.

00:16:09.365 --> 00:16:10.229
Of course anytime.

00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:12.285
And you've got to be 44 inches tall to get on there.

00:16:12.285 --> 00:16:13.389
Yeah, so I think he's high.

00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:14.784
Yeah, yeah, he's checking you.

00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:18.400
Yep, yep, sure is Got it, Benny thanks.

00:16:29.174 --> 00:16:37.470
The Tex-Mex dining experience is defined by Loopy Tortilla, your destination for Texas' best beef fajitas and frozen margaritas.

00:16:37.470 --> 00:16:44.528
Since 1983, loopy Tortilla has served authentic and time-tested recipes made with the freshest ingredients.

00:16:44.528 --> 00:16:52.229
Atmosphere is part of the award-winning experience at Loopy Tortilla, all developed in a little house near Highway 6 and I-10 in West Houston.

00:16:52.229 --> 00:16:57.768
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00:16:57.768 --> 00:17:03.668
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00:17:03.668 --> 00:17:12.558
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00:17:12.558 --> 00:17:18.365
Find Loopy Tortilla in Houston, college Station, beaumont, austin, san Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth.

00:17:18.365 --> 00:17:20.207
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00:17:20.207 --> 00:17:24.711
The recipes are authentic and time-tested, the ingredients always fresh.

00:17:24.711 --> 00:17:30.320
Loopy Tortilla is pretty good.

00:17:30.340 --> 00:17:31.784
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00:17:31.784 --> 00:17:34.228
Why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it?

00:17:34.228 --> 00:17:40.515
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00:18:03.241 --> 00:18:04.925
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00:18:11.028 --> 00:18:18.124
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00:18:27.747 --> 00:18:46.906
Hey, you can catch the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show 24-7 on InWheelTimecom and the Odyssey radio app, or check us out on the video stream on Facebook, youtube and InWheelTimecom Podcasts available from your favorite podcast provider, including SiriusXM.

00:18:46.906 --> 00:18:51.825
Okay, let's do the Jeep.

00:18:51.944 --> 00:18:52.767
Wrangler review.

00:18:52.767 --> 00:18:54.842
Can we hold off on that for one moment?

00:18:54.842 --> 00:18:56.960
Let me do mine first, because we're going to hook a cable up.

00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:59.165
Whatever you want.

00:18:59.165 --> 00:19:02.099
Okay, you know what I'm only along here for the ride.

00:19:02.099 --> 00:19:03.463
Okay, the Motor Minute.

00:19:04.025 --> 00:19:04.346
Do you do it.

00:19:04.756 --> 00:19:05.096
Are we going to?

00:19:05.317 --> 00:19:07.664
do it now, or are we going to hook a cable?

00:19:07.724 --> 00:19:08.026
up first.

00:19:08.026 --> 00:19:10.896
We're going to hook a cable up for that as well, but the Motor Minute is.

00:19:10.896 --> 00:19:12.278
Guess what's happening.

00:19:12.278 --> 00:19:15.980
At 9 o'clock this morning they announced the Hot Rod Tour of Texas.

00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:35.051
Oh, they did Hot Rod Tour of Texas is officially open for your tickets, for your passenger tickets, your hotels, the route, everything's going on for that Motor Minute or for my Motor Minute, for the Hot Rod Tour of Texas, april, april 24th.

00:19:35.251 --> 00:19:39.616
I believe Yep, and it's going to be great.

00:19:39.616 --> 00:19:54.065
It starts down in Victoria and it's going to make its way up to and through Houston and it's going to wind up up in Madisonville this year, but that information's online Hot Rod Tour of Texas.

00:19:54.134 --> 00:19:56.942
You can get it going and we'll see you there.

00:19:56.942 --> 00:19:58.287
Okay, you're on.

00:19:58.287 --> 00:20:01.079
Did you get your cable hooked up?

00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:02.785
Got my cable hooked up, all right.

00:20:03.336 --> 00:20:10.586
All right time now for our car review of this hour, and we're going to talk about the 2025 Kia Carnival.

00:20:10.586 --> 00:20:15.203
Now, the vehicle itself isn't a new new design.

00:20:15.203 --> 00:20:19.119
What's new about this one is this is the hybrid version.

00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:23.469
Okay, so let's go down the list here and tell you all about it.

00:20:23.469 --> 00:20:27.940
Final assembly location is Gwangmyeong, korea.

00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:29.161
That's where it's built.

00:20:29.161 --> 00:20:33.185
It is a Kia and that's their home base.

00:20:33.967 --> 00:20:44.747
Available trim levels include the LXS to start off with, then moves up to EX SX and then top of the line SX Prestige.

00:20:44.747 --> 00:20:48.116
We had the hybrid SX Prestige.

00:20:48.116 --> 00:20:48.938
Top of the line.

00:20:48.938 --> 00:20:56.170
It's a minivan all the way, no doubt about it, and I have to tell you I really do like minivans.

00:20:56.170 --> 00:21:00.486
As far as people movers, this is top of the line.

00:21:00.486 --> 00:21:04.564
You don't have to worry about going over rocks and that sort of stuff.

00:21:04.564 --> 00:21:09.884
Like most SUVs are set up, but minivans do have an image.

00:21:09.884 --> 00:21:21.185
I think that Kia has tried to set aside the image part and make it look more along the lines of an SUV, which clearly is the most popular form of transportation today.

00:21:21.185 --> 00:21:26.506
Seats including the driver, up to eight depending on the configuration, so that's good.

00:21:26.506 --> 00:21:31.618
This hybrid, as I mentioned, all new for 2025.

00:21:32.540 --> 00:21:36.387
Exterior features include a minivan that resembles an SUV.

00:21:36.387 --> 00:21:37.155
How did they do it?

00:21:37.155 --> 00:21:49.087
Well, they laid the windshield back like an SUV much more aerodynamic and they did kind of a mind-blowing thing in design with the doors.

00:21:49.087 --> 00:22:02.550
Now it does have the sliding side doors in the back, but the way that they're designed, with the A, b and C pillar, with the windshield being laid back, it kind of looks like an SUV.

00:22:02.550 --> 00:22:10.788
You'll have to look at it to see, but I think you'll agree that it tries to break the minivan look.

00:22:10.788 --> 00:22:14.832
Attractive front grille and extensive lighting across it.

00:22:14.832 --> 00:22:15.675
It looks really good.

00:22:15.675 --> 00:22:23.128
Huge rear hatch with big lighting across it all adds to a sharp, sharp look.

00:22:23.128 --> 00:22:28.325
Some wheel designs are really not that attractive in my mind.

00:22:28.325 --> 00:22:42.998
You may think that they are, but each one is related to the certain trim level that you decide that you want to buy what you can afford, what I liked the clever way that Kia designed its look to look like an SUV.

00:22:43.417 --> 00:22:44.420
What could use improvement?

00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:54.262
A $495 extra charge for a silver paint job why Stick with just a regular paint job?

00:22:54.262 --> 00:22:59.401
It goes into the same paint booth and there's no reason to have to pay extra money.

00:22:59.401 --> 00:23:01.205
All vehicles are painted.

00:23:01.205 --> 00:23:02.997
You know Interior highlights.

00:23:02.997 --> 00:23:22.709
It's got the minimalist look dash design with a two-foot wide let's make it two-foot, six-inch wide one screen that contains not only the instrument cluster in front of the driver, clearly, but it also contains the infotainment system over the center console.

00:23:22.709 --> 00:23:38.991
It works well, except with the minimalist control surfaces, that the volume control and the station tuning control double as the HVAC system.

00:23:38.991 --> 00:23:58.268
In other words, you turn up and down the temperature that you want in the vehicle or you can adjust the fan, but the same knobs not a big fan of that Soft-touch materials inside are top are top notch, cool and comfortable.

00:23:58.855 --> 00:24:07.736
Second row seating, reclines and the center seat actually will come out For those that have small children.

00:24:07.736 --> 00:24:23.900
Each one of the seats in the center section are adjustable back and forth, including the center one, which is really cool because if you have a small child then you can pull the small child up toward you in the center seat so you have access to them.

00:24:23.900 --> 00:24:28.368
Flat phone charger doubles as a storage area.

00:24:28.368 --> 00:24:30.439
It's well-designed, works well.

00:24:30.439 --> 00:24:35.189
Cargo and trunk room well, it's cargo room really behind the third row.

00:24:35.189 --> 00:24:48.622
It has a huge well back there that does two things Swallows up lots of luggage and whatever you need to have back there, but it also swallows up the third row seat if you want to fold that down and use the entire back area.

00:24:49.335 --> 00:24:49.817
What I liked?

00:24:49.817 --> 00:24:57.282
I liked the minimalist controls, except for, as I mentioned to you, the knobs that control the HVAC and the radio.

00:24:57.282 --> 00:24:59.521
What could use improvement?

00:24:59.521 --> 00:25:00.457
Again?

00:25:00.457 --> 00:25:03.605
Hvac control knobs, double radio volume.

00:25:03.605 --> 00:25:07.905
I get the minimalist look, but that just a little bit over the top.

00:25:07.905 --> 00:25:20.180
Anyway, as far as power is concerned, it is a 1.6 liter turbocharged hybrid configuration, so it does have a battery, so you don't have to plug it in.

00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:22.442
It does it all by itself, which is really cool.

00:25:22.442 --> 00:25:31.200
242 horsepower, which is a lot out of this battery and engine combination, 271 pound-feet of torque.

00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:32.364
It does well.

00:25:32.364 --> 00:25:38.468
I didn't drive it with a loaded-up vehicle, but it works for this vehicle.

00:25:38.595 --> 00:25:44.986
Six-speed automatic transmission, and here's what really hits home Miles per gallon.

00:25:44.986 --> 00:25:50.488
It's rated at 34 in the city, 31 on the highway, for a combined of 33.

00:25:50.488 --> 00:25:54.782
The gas version, by the way, is 21 miles per gallon combined.

00:25:54.782 --> 00:25:59.779
I got 32.2 miles per gallon over 368 miles.

00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.182
I loved it.

00:26:01.182 --> 00:26:03.146
What I liked, obviously, is the mileage.

00:26:03.508 --> 00:26:04.435
What could use improvement?

00:26:04.435 --> 00:26:09.306
Acceleration from a dead stop sometimes is delayed.

00:26:09.306 --> 00:26:13.301
It's trying to think about okay, what gear do I need to go into.

00:26:13.301 --> 00:26:16.760
Is he pressing the accelerator hard enough to bring in the engine?

00:26:16.760 --> 00:26:20.548
It could be annoying and it could be scary.

00:26:20.548 --> 00:26:22.121
It's not in all situations.

00:26:22.121 --> 00:26:24.008
You have to drive it and decide for yourself.

00:26:24.008 --> 00:26:25.976
Ride and handling pretty good.

00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:28.502
It is a minivan.

00:26:28.502 --> 00:26:29.346
It's a big vehicle.

00:26:29.346 --> 00:26:38.082
The steering is light to the touch, so easy to maneuver through the parking lots of your favorite stores, which I'm sure you'll spend a lot of time in.

00:26:38.082 --> 00:26:39.905
Here's the pricing on it.

00:26:39.905 --> 00:26:45.138
The base trim price starts at $5,2600.

00:26:45.138 --> 00:26:48.502
The price is tested $5,4490.

00:26:48.502 --> 00:26:50.023
The base model price $40,800.

00:26:50.023 --> 00:26:54.528
The base model price $40,800.

00:26:55.568 --> 00:26:57.490
How does it compare with the other vehicles?

00:26:57.490 --> 00:27:09.903
The Toyota Sienna is a hybrid-only vehicle and it starts at $39,000, within $1,000 of the Kia Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid.

00:27:09.903 --> 00:27:11.461
It's a plug-in hybrid.

00:27:11.461 --> 00:27:15.903
It starts at $51,055.

00:27:15.903 --> 00:27:24.827
It's the most expensive of our comparison and the Honda Odyssey starts at $41,920, within a couple thousand dollars of the Kia.

00:27:24.827 --> 00:27:35.115
By the way, the Kia has an overall warranty of 10 years and 100,000 miles and that pretty much kills it when it comes to comparison with the other vehicles.

00:27:35.797 --> 00:27:37.740
I really did like this vehicle a lot.

00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:49.636
I love the gas mileage and if you're going to be in the minivan market anytime soon, please check all of the minivans from all of the manufacturers.

00:27:49.636 --> 00:28:01.325
Drive them, look at all of the features, sit in all three rows of seating, see how easy it is to fold down that third row and get it out of the way.

00:28:01.325 --> 00:28:09.027
What is the adjustability of the center row, the second row, and are you comfortable driving it?

00:28:09.027 --> 00:28:12.561
Check those out and then price compare.

00:28:12.561 --> 00:28:14.026
It's very important.

00:28:14.026 --> 00:28:25.996
You want to drive away loving your new vehicle and that is my review of the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige.

00:28:25.996 --> 00:29:50.270
You, you, you.

00:29:50.290 --> 00:29:57.852
It's time for the 47th Annual Corvette Chevy Expo in Galveston Saturday and Sunday, march 15th and 16th, at the Galveston Island Convention Center.

00:29:57.852 --> 00:30:04.153
This premier indoor event features iconic Chevrolets, from classic Camaros to America's sports car Corvette.

00:30:04.153 --> 00:30:09.594
See over 135 displays, automotive vendors and unique finds at the expansive swap meet.

00:30:09.594 --> 00:30:20.039
You'll also see the all-handmade Galveston Craft Show featuring over 100 artisans.

00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:21.423
Be part of the Chevy celebration March 15th and 16th.

00:30:21.423 --> 00:30:22.546
For tickets, visit CorvetteChevyExpocom.

00:30:22.546 --> 00:30:24.131
That's it for this podcast episode of the In Wheel Time Car Show.

00:30:24.131 --> 00:30:34.045
I'm Don Armstrong, inviting you to join us for our live show every Saturday morning on Facebook, youtube, twitch and our InWheelTimecom website.

00:30:34.045 --> 00:30:42.643
Podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, spotify, stitcher, iheart Podcast, podcast, addict TuneIn, pandora and Amazon Music.

00:30:42.643 --> 00:30:45.481
Keep listening and we'll see you soon.