Yearly Archives: 2017

Read more about the article New Models, Electronic Brakes, and NACTOY | #316

New Models, Electronic Brakes, and NACTOY | #316

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #316

The last episode of the year gears us up for the shifts in the automotive industry for 2018. We begin the show with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who reviews the new Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. Next, technology expert, John Ellis, discusses his new book, The Zero Dollar Car. He explains how our cars will have the potential to use data tracking monetarily, and in turn, pay for themselves. Then, Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book sounds off about the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY), and discusses the future of autonomous automotive technology. We end the hour with Dan Sandberg of Brembo North America who tells us that he sees a solid future for electronic brakes and their company is working hard to stay ahead of the game. Listen now.

  • [00:00:00] Charlie’s Rough Ride
  • [00:05:50] Escalade vs. Navigator
  • [00:12:30] Navigator Steps Up a Notch
  • [00:19:53] Hats Off to the OEMs
  • [00:28:22] The Zero Dollar Car Pays for Itself
  • [00:35:55] Dark Side of Automotive Data Tracking
  • [00:42:15] NACTOY Difficult Decisions
  • [00:48:30] Tight Competition for NACTOY
  • [00:54:46] 2018: The Year of the Truck
  • [01:02:09] Autonomous Tech Leaps Forward
  • [01:10:40] Brembo Brakes Research Electronic
  • [01:18:11] New Breed of Materials for Our Rides

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Continue ReadingNew Models, Electronic Brakes, and NACTOY | #316
Read more about the article Winter Driving, 2018 Car Reviews, and Autonomous Cars | #315

Winter Driving, 2018 Car Reviews, and Autonomous Cars | #315

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #315

The new year is rapidly approaching and that means that the 2018 models are hitting the roads. We begin the hour with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who reviews the Chevrolet Equinox and joins in on Alan’s excitement about the not-so-far-off arrival of his Dodge Demon. Next, we chat with Benjamin Hunting, who after some exciting test drives overseas, reviews the BMW M5 and Volvo XC40. Benjamin also explains some issues that arise for autonomous vehicles in bad weather conditions.  Changing lanes, we catch up with Steven Cole Smith about the latest news from NASCAR, the Chevrolet Truck Centennial Celebration, and his test drive of the 2018 Kia Stinger. We end the show with George Kennedy, JR. III who shares his drive experience with the 2018 VW GTI and his thoughts on the best winter vehicles. Tune in now for some end of the year automotive news.

  • [00:00:00] Something Powerful This Way Comes
  • [00:06:02] Chevrolet Equinox Has Lost Weight
  • [00:12:30] BMW M5 Shows its Colors on the Track
  • [00:19:53] Volvo XC40 Meets Us in the Middle
  • [00:28:35] Automotive Journalists Stay Authentic
  • [00:35:55] Issues Arise for Future of Autonomous
  • [00:45:15] Chevrolet Truck Centennial Celebration
  • [00:48:50] Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s Prized Laguna
  • [00:54:47] NASCAR Loses Danika Patrick
  • [01:02:09] All-Wheel Drive Owns Winter Driving
  • [01:11:08] Terrain Management Systems a Must
  • [01:18:10] Volkswagen GTI is a Real Sweetheart

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Continue ReadingWinter Driving, 2018 Car Reviews, and Autonomous Cars | #315
Read more about the article LA Auto Show, Kia Stinger, and 2018 Jeep Wrangler | #314

LA Auto Show, Kia Stinger, and 2018 Jeep Wrangler | #314

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #314

Alan is back from his insane month of traveling; we catch up with some of our favorite contributors. We begin the hour with JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, who shares his experience at the LA Auto Show, and discusses Nissan’s involvement with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Next, automotive journalist BJ Killen joins in on the fun to chat about the CES, North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), and the merging of the technology and the automotive industries. Then, BJ talks about the exciting new KIA Stinger, a car which marks Kia’s shift in the market from economy to luxury. Changing lanes, Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, reviews the Black Label Lincoln Navigator, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, and explains yearly sales as we creep into 2018. Get up to speed with us before the new year rolls in.

  • [00:00:00] Back After a Month of Traveling
  • [00:06:13] Nissan and Star Wars: The Last Jedi
  • [00:12:30] Lincoln Unveils the 2019 Nautilus
  • [00:19:53] Automotive Industry Transforms to Mobility
  • [00:26:40] Tesla Electric Semi-Trucks Are Coming
  • [00:35:55] Bollinger B1 Lights Up Lobby of LA Auto Show
  • [00:42:15] Kia Stinger: Quality High Performance
  • [00:48:39] A Tremendous Departure from Cheap
  • [00:54:46] Ford Takes on Pick-up Truck Market
  • [01:02:08] Lincoln Reestablishes Itself as Luxury
  • [01:11:17] Hurricanes Save 2017 Auto Sales
  • [01:18:09] Iconic Jeep Wrangler Redesign Rocks

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Continue ReadingLA Auto Show, Kia Stinger, and 2018 Jeep Wrangler | #314
Read more about the article Live from the Craftsman Garage Pt. 3 | #312

Live from the Craftsman Garage Pt. 3 | #312

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #312

The Craftsman Garage was such a blast at the 2017 SEMA Show, and we just can’t get enough of these great interviews. We begin the hour with Dave Kindig, Host of Bitchin’ Rides, and Steve Mank, Owner of Conestogo Motors. They fill us in on their Craftsman tool stories and share their involvement in this year’s SEMA Show. Next, we chat with Casey Currie of Currie Racing, about King of the Hammers and the Currie Enterprises booth at the show. Up next, Chris Duke of Motorz TV chats with us about his search for the perfect new project car for the upcoming season of Motorz. Changing gears, we talk with Chris Stephens of Garage Rehab and Stacey David of Stacey David’s GearZ, who share stories about their shows and the car part hoarding mentality that gearheads can have. Then we chat with Teppy Wigington and Spike Magnuson of Line-X who tell us about their latest, thinner spray lining made for lining the entire body of your car. Last up, Matt Thomas of eBay Motors discusses a ’67 Mustang Fastback they built with Rutledge Wood that they auctioned off to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. This show is packed full of celebrity car guys that are just waiting to share their excitement over SEMA and the future. Join us now.

  • [00:00:00] Dave Kindig’s Dangerous Craftsman Tool Grab
  • [00:05:10] Kindig-It Designs Rides at 2017 SEMA Show
  • [00:12:30] Currie Racing and King of the Hammers
  • [00:19:53] Searching for the Perfect Project Vehicle
  • [00:24:33] Garage Rehab Helps Car Part Hoarders
  • [00:35:56] Line-X is Not Just a Bedliner Anymore
  • [00:42:16] eBay Motors Makes Buying Parts Easy

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Continue ReadingLive from the Craftsman Garage Pt. 3 | #312
Read more about the article “Live on Stage” Shell Interviews from SEMA 2017 Pt. 3 | #313

“Live on Stage” Shell Interviews from SEMA 2017 Pt. 3 | #313

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #313

It was such a pleasure to interview some of the heads of the automotive aftermarket industry at the Shell Pioneering Performance “Live on Stage” Experience. We begin this episode with the Chairman of the Board for SEMA, Wade Kawasaki, who shares that this was the biggest show yet. He discusses SEMA’s focus as they selected vendors for this epic event. Then, we hit the stage with Hagerty Classic Cars’ Vice President of Content, Larry Webster, who explains their classic car insurance and web series Barn Find Hunter. Next, Amy Jo Osborn, President of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, reports updates on the work they are doing with the help of charities from the automotive industry to assist the children and families affected by pediatric cancer. We end the hour with some insight from Alan about entrepreneurship in the automotive industry. Don’t miss our last set of interviews from the Shell Pavilion. Listen now.

  • [00:00:00] Biggest and Busiest SEMA Show Yet
  • [00:06:29] SEMA: Work from Behind-the-Scenes
  • [00:12:30] Video Series from Hagerty Classic Cars
  • [00:19:53] Insuring Over 1-Milling Classic Autos
  • [00:26:22] Automotive Hobby Enriches Lives
  • [00:35:54] Automotive Industry Built by Entrepreneurs

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Continue Reading“Live on Stage” Shell Interviews from SEMA 2017 Pt. 3 | #313
Read more about the article “Live on Stage” Shell Interviews from SEMA 2017 Pt. 2 | #311

“Live on Stage” Shell Interviews from SEMA 2017 Pt. 2 | #311

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #311

More interviews from the Shell Pioneering Performance “Live on Stage” Experience are here, and our special guests catch us up to speed. We begin the show with Dan Sandberg, President of Brembo North America, and Matt Edmonds, Chief Marketing Officer of Tire Rack, who chat with us about the evolution of online tire orders, and aftermarket manufacturers’ dedication to the constant improvement of their products. Next up, Kevin Tully and Chad Hill of Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle tell us about their newest project at SEMA. Then, with a possible new show called Torture Test on the horizon, Rich Christensen tells us what we can look forward to from him. We then discuss the importance of being an authentic car guy with Rich and Dennis Pittsenbarger. Switching lanes, Bob Attrell of Quaker State and Hyundai Motorsports sounds off about the success of their racing team, and brand loyalty in Canada. After that, we talk Mustangs with Gary Patterson of Shelby American, and Jim Marietta of The Original Venice Crew. Last, we hear from David Borla of Borla Performance, Bodie Stroud of Bodie Stroud Industries, Dan Sandberg, and John Waraniak of SEMA about how technology is taking a bigger role in the automotive industry. The future of aftermarket has evolved. Learn more now.

  • [00:00:00] Quality Tires Shipped to Your Door
  • [00:07:37] Aftermarket and OEM Industries Blur
  • [00:12:31] Beautiful Machines Via Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle
  • [00:19:53] Will Torture Test Catch Your Attention?
  • [00:30:22] Keeping the Automotive Industry Authentic
  • [00:35:55] Technology Has Enabled Amazing Cars
  • [00:42:15] The Original Venice Crew Comeback
  • [00:48:03] Carroll Shelby’s Passion Lives On
  • [00:54:46] Shelby’s Favorite Car: The Next One
  • [01:02:09] Automotive Aftermarket Personalization
  • [01:08:01] Borla Exhausts, Pipe Organs, and Brembo Brakes

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Continue Reading“Live on Stage” Shell Interviews from SEMA 2017 Pt. 2 | #311
Read more about the article Live from the Craftsman Garage at the 2017 SEMA Show Pt. 2 | #310

Live from the Craftsman Garage at the 2017 SEMA Show Pt. 2 | #310

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #310

We are back with interviews from the 2017 SEMA Show that we will be rolling out over the next few weeks. First up, live from the Craftsman Garage, we chat with the CEO of Barrett-Jackson, Craig Jackson, about the charity cars they had at the last auction in Las Vegas. Next, Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy shares his history with SEMA, Bonneville racing, and his friendship with Chip Foose. Then, Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, jumps on the mic with legendary builder Steve Saleen. Steve talks with us about the Saleen rides at SEMA, and some exciting business news from China. Russell Holmes of Garage Rehab discusses his role on the show and sounds off about some of the craziest garages that the crew has been to. Switching lanes, Stacey David of GearZ shares all about his past as a musician, his recent children’s book, and touches on his show. Rutledge Wood, NASCAR personality, explains a charity build he is doing with eBay Motors and a new show on the horizon for him. Ray Evernham, host of AmeriCarna, tells us about his role in the making of the movie Cars 3 and about the friendly, family rivalry between him and his wife, who is also a professional driver. Last up, we hit the backroads of our imagination with the crew from Dirt Every Day, who tell us about the wild 4x4s they have hit the mud with. Fill up on our stars’ personal Craftsman tool stories that helped them build their dreams.

  • [00:00:00] Charity Cars From Barrett-Jackson
  • [00:04:59] Star-Studded Rides Adorn Auction Block
  • [00:12:30] Rad Rides by Troy and Bonneville Racing
  • [00:19:53] Marvelous Memories of Meeting Steve Saleen
  • [00:24:41] Prediction for the Future of the Automobile
  • [00:35:52] The Garage Rehab Project Manager
  • [00:42:13] From Musician to Wrenching on GearZ
  • [00:47:28] WWII and the Dodge Power Wagon
  • [00:54:44] Building for Kids with eBay Motors
  • [01:02:07] Ray Evernham: Not Just a Voice in Cars 3
  • [01:12:49] Induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame
  • [01:18:09] Off-Road Action on Dirt Every Day

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Continue ReadingLive from the Craftsman Garage at the 2017 SEMA Show Pt. 2 | #310
Read more about the article “Live on Stage” Shell Interviews at SEMA 2017 Pt. 1 | #309

“Live on Stage” Shell Interviews at SEMA 2017 Pt. 1 | #309

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #309

A wealth of automotive knowledge is very present at the SEMA show every year. The Shell Pioneering Performance “Live on Stage” Experience played host to some of the greats in the industry. We begin the hour with Gale Banks of Banks Power, who has played a large role in military engines for 41 years, and he gives us an inside look on what his company is working on now. Changing lanes, NHRA Top Fuel World Champion, Larry Dixon, tells us that they will be awarding one lucky winner the opportunity to ride in the passenger seat in a recently designed two-seater Top Fuel car. Then, John Hennessey, President of Hennessey Performance, touches on the sweet rides he brought to SEMA, such as the 6×6 VelociRaptor, and the unveiling of the highly anticipated Venom F5. Nancy Bruner, Chief Digital Officer for Shell Lubricants, and Tony Frassetto, Senior Account Manager for Universal Technical Institute (UTI), then jump on stage. They talk with us about their partnership, and Tony shares a little about the school. Then, Barry Meguiar of Meguiar’s, discusses the car hobby history and his busy schedule of jet-setting to car shows all over. J Haynes of Haynes Publishing is up next to share the story of how their company began. After that Rutledge Wood, NASCAR Personality, shares about a project he built with eBay Motors. We end the show with a special announcement from Colin Abraham, President of Shell, Steve Ledbetter, President of Jiffy Lube, Chris Powell, President of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Patty Lanning, Vice President of North American Marketing for Shell Oil. Tune in now.

  • [00:00:00] Emerging Economies Performance is Four Cylinders
  • [00:05:53] Banks Power and Heavy Duty Military Trucks
  • [00:12:31] Take a Funny Car Ride with Larry Dixon
  • [00:19:53] Twin Turbo EcoBoost V6: The Power You Need
  • [00:27:09] Hennessey Tuner School to Fuel Youths’ Passion
  • [00:35:55] Shell and UTI Make Automotive Dreams Come True
  • [00:47:59] Barry Meguiar Enjoys Wandering Around SEMA
  • [00:54:47] Haynes Automotive Manuals in the Beginning
  • [01:02:10] Rutledge Wood Works with eBay Motors
  • [01:10:15] McDonald’s Coffee in a Lamborghini
  • [01:18:12] Shell, Jiffy Lube, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway

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Continue Reading“Live on Stage” Shell Interviews at SEMA 2017 Pt. 1 | #309
Read more about the article LIVE from Craftsman Garage at the 2017 SEMA Show: Pt. 1 | #308

LIVE from Craftsman Garage at the 2017 SEMA Show: Pt. 1 | #308

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #308

The Las Vegas Convention Center was bustling with automotive enthusiasts for the 2017 SEMA Show. We got the chance to catch up with some of the car celebrities from Discovery and Velocity LIVE at the Craftsman Garage. Fast N’ Loud’’s Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins swung by to let us know what wild and crazy things they are up to. Then, we chat with Mike Finnegan of Roadkill who details how the show got started. Shifting gears, we talk with the Diesel Brothers and hear about their roles within the shop and a little about family life. Rich Christensen, former host of Pinks, tells us about some of the new projects he is working on. After that, professional hot rod builder Bodie Stroud jumps on the mic to share about BS Industries (BSI), Bleu Stroud’s singing career, and rides he’s working on for a few celebrities. Up next, the crew from Iron Resurrection and Martin Bros. Customs lists off the sweet rigs they are bringing to life. We end the hour with laughs from the guys of Wheeler Dealers, Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, and even get a surprise visit from Bill Goldberg. Listen in for more from the Craftsman Garage.

  • [00:00:00] Jeeps, Gas Monkey Garage, & Garage Rehab
  • [00:09:49] Learn from Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins
  • [00:12:31] Roadkill Now on Discovery with More Episodes
  • [00:19:54] Diesel Brothers: Real Builds in Real Time
  • [00:28:11] Rich Christensen Searches for Fastest Human
  • [00:35:56] Torture Test Brings New Meaning to Hot Lapping
  • [00:42:16] Bodie Stroud in the Craftsman Garage
  • [00:48:07] Tools of the Trade for Future Generations
  • [00:54:47] Iron Resurrection Brings a Lifetime of Passion
  • [01:02:10] New Co-Host for Wheeler Dealers
  • [01:10:47] Cars from All Over the World for Wheeler Dealers
  • [01:18:12] Making Wheeler Dealers Feel As It Always Has

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Continue ReadingLIVE from Craftsman Garage at the 2017 SEMA Show: Pt. 1 | #308