Don Armstrong
Todays Show – February 23rd – Parade of Cars on Today’s In Wheel Time
In Wheel Time salutes the 2013 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with a show that is geared to all the cowpokes in town.
Most of the area dealerships tout some sort of rodeo sale, so we decided to ask internet expert Jim Flint to stop by and give us the inside scoop on how auto eMarketing really works.
Hyundai sold its very first Veloster Re:Mix model right here in Houston and we tracked down the buyer, Brittany Carmona, who’ll share with us her car buying experience.
As always, we’ve got plenty of new car reviews for you including the VW Beetle Convertible, Toyota Rav4, Dodge Durango and the Lexus RX350, with its new spindle grille.
Spring Break is just a few weeks away and American Dream Vacations Bart Bonham reports on the RV of the week that you can rent on the cheap.
Troy Dixon from Houston Performance Driving will be in and Niftee 50ee’s Randy Shannon brings DB MotorSports Denny Burton to the studio to talk about the cost of sportsman racing – that you afford.
In Wheel Time is the name of the radio show and it can be heard LIVE on Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM from 9 AM to Noon today. You can also catch our audio and video stream on www.InWheelTime.com.
Join us or you’ll be disqualified after 8 seconds.
Ram to Build Industry’s Only Light-duty Diesel Pickup
“The Ram 1500 with 3.0-liter V-6 turbo EcoDiesel and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission deliver on the demands of truckers by providing best-in-class torque, fuel economy and range. There’s no doubt that being the only truck manufacturer to offer this game changing technology will provide Ram with a competitive advantage.”
The new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel is among today’s most advanced diesel engines. Its emissions are 60 percent less than those produced by diesel powertrains 25 years ago. The impressive combination of torque and fuel economy marks new levels of performance for small V-6 engines.
Ram’s newest turbo diesel engine is manufactured by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992.
Over the past 10 months, the Ram Truck brand has set an aggressive product cadence. Ram’s big push began in April 2012 with the introduction of the Ram 1500 with class-leading 25 mpg fuel efficiency and innovative features such as Active Level four-corner air suspension.
The Ram Brand followed that news with the launch of the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups. Their 30,000-pound trailer-tow rating – more than three tons more than their closest competitor — and 850 lb.-ft. of torque are at the top of their class. Most recently, Ram introduced the new 2014 Ram ProMaster van with its own list of best-in-class features, including fuel efficiency, payload, cargo capacity and lowest cost of ownership.
BIG car show coming to downtown Houston – car nut invitation
My name is Greg Phillips and I am President of the Houston Classic Chevy Club.
We’d like to invite any and all car clubs to join us for a car show March the 9th to be held from 9:00 am til 3:00 pm at parking lots B&C of Minute Maid Park. This is the 5th annual car show for the Oilfield Helping Hands Charity and we are hoping for a big turnout, we have room for 750 cars. We encourage you to visit www.oilfieldhelpinghands.org to see their history and the work that they do for families in need of assistance. We have room on parking lot c for about 750 cars and there will be oil industry cooking teams providing food and Minute Maid and the Astros will be providing drinks. This will be a judged car & motorcycle show with awards sponsored by Boots & Coots. This year, Enders Racing is one of the sponsors for the show and the top female driver in NHRA history, Erica Enders, has chosen this charity as the one that she and her organization want to support in 2013. She will be at the show to visit with the public and her fans. There will also be a display of show cars, courtesy of Ender Racing & GK Motor Sports located in the center of Lot C.
We would like to allocate parking for car clubs that want to participate and would like to get as many cars registered by March 6th as possible so we can finish our layout. You can pre-register online at the website www.oilfieldhelpinghands.org.
Please consider joining us for a great show and a chance for car people to come together for a great charity.
If you know of someone that is not a member of any particular club they are welcome to bring their car, you don’t have to be a member of a club to register.
Seating is Limited
The In Wheel Time studio will be standing room only this morning as we welcome Mac Delaup, Past President of the Houston Automobile Dealers Association and President of John Eagle Honda. HPD’s Troy Dixon holds a chair for his guest, racer Peter Blach from TX2K13, our own Mike “out of this world” Marrs, President of the Texas Auto Writers Association, makes a rare trip to Houston to review his truck of the week and Niftee 50ee’s Randy Shannon brings John Hunt with Bob’s Auto Express to talk about fabrication.
There’s a big swap meet taking place today at Houston Motorsports Park so will talk to John Mandabach about that as well as the upcoming circle track season.
As always, we have new car reviews including the all-new Toyota Avalon, Ford Flex and Honda Accord. And we’ll review the Chicago Auto Show as well as bring you the news from the auto industry.
It’s a full house and full show this morning 9 AM to Noon onYahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM or hear streaming audio and watch streaming video on www.InWheelTime.com.
Don Armstrong at the 105 Annual Chicago Auto Show
Hey friends. Come follow me on Facebook as I go through this exciting Auto Show in Chicago, the Windy and COLD city.
Don
2014 Corvette Stingray Featured on Today’s In Wheel Time
Making its first public debut at the North American International Auto Show this week, the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray brought rave reviews from around the world. On this morning’s In Wheel Time, we’ll talk to General Motors Craig Eppling about the new “Ray,” how long it’s been in development, what GM set out to accomplish and if we’ll get to see it at next week’s Houston Auto Show.
Monster Jam roars into Reliant Stadium tonight and we’ll talk to Joe Sylvester, driver of monster truck “Bad Habit” about what we can expect to see, what it’s like to drive one AND to wreck one.
Do you have “junk in your trunk?” We’ll learn from State Farm Agent Theo Franklin what you should and shouldn’t have back there and why. Theo will stick around for several segments of In Wheel Time to talk about how insurance companies all tout how much cheaper their insurance rates are than the competitors and what auto insurance coverage you REALLY need.
American Dream Vacations Bart Bonham will join us with his RV of the week and why so many people rent his RV’s during the rodeo.
Niftee 50ee’s Randy “shanana” Shannon talk hot rods and classics and Troy Dixon from Houston Performance Driving delivers the speed portion of our show.
Our car reviews always garner attention and we’ve got 3 this week. The President of the Texas Auto Writers Association, Mike “out of this world” Marrs talks about the performance version of the Fiat 500, Abarth. Co-host Mike Herzing gives you his thoughts on the Ford F-150 King Ranch and Don Armstrong talks Chrysler Town & Country.
In Wheel Time in on the air from 9 AM to Noon today on Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM and streams audio and video live via www.InWheelTime.com
Return of the Stingray: The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
DETROIT – Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today’s debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.
“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”
The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. It incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs. Highlights include:
- An interior that includes real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support – and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens
- Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
- An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel
- Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
- A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
- Track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.
“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.”
The new Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, which underwent a $131-million upgrade, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to manufacture the aluminum frame in-house for the first time.
“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”
The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.
Football Fans Love Cars A different pregame show – In Wheel Time
The In Wheel Time Radio program is the alternative to those boring football pregame shows. We like football, and especially the Texans, as much as anybody else, but haven’t you heard enough of the same thing week after week? It’s time to give your mind a break and think “cars.”
On todays In wheel Time we’ll review the Audi S4, SRT8 Dodge Charger, SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the top-selling Ford F-150 pickup. Plus, we’ll interview some local dealers to find out what options Houstonian’s are choosing on theirs.
This week’s special in-studio guest is Mr. Sticker’s Tom Chorba. You’ll want to learn what laws have changed or been added that could affect your car passing state inspection.
Platinum Motorcars Benny Black has his top 5 luxury cars of 2013 and a new club that will guarantee your time behind the wheel of an exotic or luxury car 6 days a month.
Lonestar Motorsports Park is the west side’s destination for racing and Houston Performance Driving’s Troy Dixon will talk with General Manager Bob Key to get details on the upcoming 2013 season.
Did you see an RV at the Boat Show that you like? American Dream Vacations’ Bart Bonham will share his pick for RV of the week and tell you how to make your new purchase a money maker.
Transmission trouble? Looking for the “right” transmission for your project car? In the 11 o’clock hour Niftee 50ee’s Randy Shannon brings guests from Circle D transmissions to the studio that will have the answers to all your questions about gear boxes, manual or automatic.
We invite you to join us before you break out the beer and brats. Who knows, you might learn something other than the same ol’ dribble about football! In Wheel Time broadcasts on Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM and can be found streaming audio and video at www.InWheelTime.com 9 AM to Noon TODAY!
Chevrolet Announces New Slogan
DETROIT – Chevrolet is the world’s fastest-growing major automotive brand and as it continues to expand its global operations it is aligning its engineering, design and retail operations behind a single vision and communications platform – Find New Roads.
The foundation of this new guiding principle is Chevrolet’s legacy of innovation and commitment to doing the right thing for consumers. Find New Roads will be the touchstone for the brand as it develops new products and technologies for sale in more than 140 markets.
“Find New Roads embraces the spirit of ingenuity that has been in Chevrolet’s DNA since the beginning and it will continue to guide every aspect of our business moving forward,” said Mary Barra, senior vice president of Global Product Development. “We have sold Chevrolets around the world for almost a century, but this is the first time we have aligned behind one global vision.
“As we develop new products our designers and engineers will be empowered to find smarter solutions to address customer needs and make their lives better.”
Since the launch of the Cruze mid-size sedan – the brand’s first truly global vehicle – in 2009, Chevrolet sales have grown about 38 percent.
“This is the right time to launch this initiative with over 20 vehicle launches globally in 2013,” said Alan Batey, vice president, U.S. Sales, Service and Global Marketing. “We are continuing to grow globally, especially in key emerging markets, and Find New Roads will help us drive even more consistency – both internally with our employees and externally with customers.”
Chevrolet’s approach to marketing and the retail experience is already aligning with this new global vision. Last year Chevrolet selected Commonwealth, a newly formed advertising agency, to service Chevrolet advertising around the world. The brand also has launched a program to train dealership personnel to approach every aspect of their business differently to improve the retail experience.
In addition to driving internal consistency for Chevrolet, Find New Roads also will be used in advertising around the world, beginning in the United States this quarter.
“Find New Roads will enable the whole company to rally around a consistent theme for the brand, and at the same time serve as an external message that works in all markets,” said Batey. “The theme has meaning in mature markets like the U.S. as well as emerging markets like Russia and India, where the potential for continued growth is the greatest.”
It’s all about cars, trucks…and rain
In Wheel Time presents a rain-soaked Saturday show that will bring New Year week to a close and get you ready for a return to work on Monday; here’s what we have on tap this morning:
Our special in-studio guest, Greg Enders, father of NHRA Pro Stock driver and the first female to win in the category, Erica Enders- Stevens, will talk about his drag racing past, how his daughters became interested in the sport. We’ll discuss the incredible success of the Disney movie “Right On Track,” what the future of drag racing holds for today’s generation and his prediction for the upcoming 2013 season.
The two Mike’s and Don will have reviews of the Chevrolet Corvette GS and Silverado and the GMC Terrain and will talk to a local dealer about what’s on the lot, what your neighbors are buying and incentives.
In the third hour, Niftee 50ee’s Randy Shannon brings 360 Motorsports Jason Trotter to the studio and we’ll get into retro rods, hot rods, rat rods and other things that will shoot your eye out if you look too hard.
When is it? Glad you asked. This morning from 9 AM to Noon. Where can you hear it? Streaming on line via www.InWheelTime.com. You say you want to see it too. Okay, that too is at www.InWheelTime.com. Oh, you have an AM radio? Tune it to Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM. We know you like POWER and 1560 has plenty of it, 50,000 watts of pure, unadulterated automotive magic. You could probably hear us on the moon!
Houston Coffee and Cars
Houston Coffee & Cars – January
Please join us this Saturday morning, January 5th,
for our monthly Coffee & Cars Houston gathering.
When: Saturday, January 5th, 2013
Who: Everyone!
Time: 7AM to 10AM
Address:
110 Vintage Park Blvd
Houston, TX 77070-4048
Folks,
Happy New Year! We will once again be convening Saturday morning (early) at Vintage Park. I can pretty much promise that it won’t be as warm as last July. I can also pretty much promise that as usual there will be an amazing collection of vehicles of all types.
Good Bye 2012
Can you believe? We made is past 12-21-12 and looks like we’re actually going to see 2013 – at least that’s the hope for all of our In Wheel Time followers.
Even though 2/3rds of tomorrow show will be preempted for a Rice Football bowl game, your In Wheel Time hosts, Don Armstrong and Mike Herzing, will be broadcasting live from the Yahoo! Sports Radio studios from 9 AM to 10 AM. We’d like to think of it as our New Year diet that won’t last – we’ll be back with a three hour show on January 5th.
We have reviews of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt and Chrysler Town & Country along with input from a couple of dealers on what options buyers of those vehicles are getting on theirs, what’s in stock and what kind of deals you can get
We’ve put together a list of automotive winners and losers from the past year and we’ll predict what 2013 holds in store.
Randy and Troy have the weekend off, since it’s such a short show, but American Dream Vacation’s Bart Bonham will have his RV of the week. It’s also that time of the year to start planning next year’s vacations and Bart will offer some great ideas.
It’s short and plump – In Wheel Time… that is. Our abbreviated show is only one hour long tomorrow, but oh so good! Join us 9 AM to 10 AM on Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM and streaming on www.InWheelTime.
We’re back to three hours on January 5th 2013.
‘The Motherhood’ feat. Fiat 500L
Word to all the mothers out there. This one goes out to you…
‘The Motherhood’ feat. Fiat 500L is dedicated to all those women who have to be all things to all people and live it large on a daily basis.
T’ was the Saturday before Christmas and In Wheel Time brings you automotive cheer
Your In Wheel Time dynamic duo, Don Armstrong and Mike Herzing, have special presents under the tree for all the good boys and girls who listen to our radio show tomorrow, including reviews of the Chevy Sonic RS, Subaru Impreza and the all-new Ford Explorer Sport. We’ll also speak to some local dealers about incentives and end-of-the-world (year) deals.
Heading to Aunt Mary’s house for the holidays? Our in-studio guest, Jeff Dziekan from American Tire Distributors, will give you tips on purchasing your next set of tires, what to look for, pricing differences, winter tires and a whole lot more.
Don brings a huge stack of stories making automotive news this week including recalls and some surprising stats on crash test results, among others.
Houston Performance Driving’s Troy Dixon has been given the assignment of finding sportsman race cars for sale in the Houston area under $25,000. Now here’s a unique gift idea for any boy or girl!
This is the time of year some folks look forward to getting away from the big city and celebrating Christmas and New Years around a camp fire. American Dream Vacations Bart Bonham has our RV of the week.
No, we haven’t forgotten Niftee 50ee’s Randy Shannon. He’s bringing in-studio guests from the Falcon Club of Houston. Yep, they actually have a club for owners of the these classics. Did you know that the original 64 ½ Mustang was built on the Falcon Chassis?
Tomorrow’s 3-hour show is your Christmas present just waiting to be opened, 9 AM to Noon on Yahoo! Sports Radio 1560 AM. You can also listen – AND WATCH – streaming on www.InWheelTime.com. You don’t want Santa to put a lump of coal in your stocking, so tune in!
If the world ends tomorrow
Apocolypse coming tomorrow. I received a Chevy Silverado 1500 from the Texas press fleet today along with a duffle bag full of survival gear, including a 24-pack of Twinkiesa and a case of Ozarka water. Thanks Otie McKinley and Michael Albano from Chevrolet Communications. Don’t forget your promise, if the world ends tomorrow, I can keep the truck! – Don
