Automobile Magazine Archives - The Drive with Lauren & Karl

Supercar Test Drives, C8 Corvette, Motorsports, Kia Niro | #378

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:August 12, 2019
Post category:Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #378

News in the automotive industry abound, and first up to help us decipher it all is Executive Publisher for Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com, Karl Brauer. Did you know that, according to a study, one in five US adults feel pressured into spending more than they should on vehicles? Well, neither did we, but apparently it’s true. Karl also reviews the 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder, chats about Alan’s decision to sell his Dodge Demon in favor of a Toyota Supra, praises the new $60,000 Chevrolet C8 Corvette, discusses the horrendous profit drop facing Nissan, and gives an industry report card. Changing lanes, Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, fills us in on his trip to Rome, what he learned about the pooping habits of Colosseum goers, and gives us an update on the world of motorsports. Next up, Manager of Long Range Strategy and Planning at Kia Motors America, Steve Kosowski, explains the three different powertrains of the new 2020 Kia Niro and all of its amazing features. Closing out the show, Co-founder of Cartender, and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, reviews the 2020 Acura RDX and the 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Red Eye. Tune in for the latest auto news and car reviews.

[00:00:00] Social Pressure of Owning Awesome Cars
[00:05:16] 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
[00:12:30] Trading Dodge Demon for Toyota Supra
[00:19:51] Corvette: An Exotic Killer to the Core
[00:27:14] Nissan Faces 99 Percent Profit Drop!
[00:35:53] Karl Brauer’s Auto Industry Report Card
[00:42:13] Steven Cole Smith’s Colosseum Tour
[00:49:27] Taking Care of Business at the Colosseum
[00:54:44] Motorsports Update: Rallycross, Indy Car
[01:02:04] Kia Niro Comes In Three Amazing Versions
[01:10:51] 2020 Acura RDX’s Non Intuitive Console
[01:18:06] Challenger Hellcat Red Eye Test Drive

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Australian Jeep Expedition, Nurburgring, Rolls-Royce Cullinan | #375

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:June 29, 2019
Post category:Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #375

There’s nothing quite like setting out across the wild expanse of Alaska, the untamed savannas of Africa, or the outback of Australia. Adventuring is the spice of life, as Alan says; a fact Seven Slot Expeditions Auto Writer, Sue Mead, and Adventure Architects LLC CEO, Chris Collard know well. Chris and Sue fill us in on the history of the 50th anniversary East-West Australia Jeep Expedition, their plans for the journey, and which vehicles they’ll me making the 2500km trek in. Next up, Motorsports Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, gives us the details from the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Then, we chat with Cartender Co-founder and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, about his recent test drive of the bespoke Rolls-Royce Cullinan, their first SUV ever (If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it). Changing gears, Autoblog Editor-In-Chief, Greg Migliore, reviews the 617-HP, 555 lb-ft of torque, 4.4L twin turbo V8 engine sporting BMW M5. Next up, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, discusses the made-for-TV drama that has become the FCA, Renault, and Nissan relationship, as well as the prevalence of low-cylinder high-performance engines and their apparent replacement for displacement. Lastly, Karl shares his mixed feelings over the Jaguar F-TYPE R-Dynamic and its weak engine. Tune in for the latest car reviews and automotive news.

[00:00:00] Adventuring is the Spice of Life
[00:05:47] East-West Australia Jeep Expedition
[00:12:30] RIP Rod Hall / Adventure Architects
[00:19:51] Nurburgring and the Hyundai Veloster N
[00:28:49] Bronze Buffalo Club Fishing Golf Course
[00:35:52] Winners of the 24 Hours of Nurburgring
[00:42:13] Rolls-Royce Cullinan Drives Like Butter
[00:48:34] Rolls-Royce Cullinan’s Bespoke Features
[00:54:43] BMW M5 Packs A Punch
[01:02:04] FCA, Renault, Nissan – A Bad TV Drama
[01:11:12] A Replacement for Displacement?
[01:18:05] Jaguar F-TYPE R-Dynamic Lacks Power

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Motorsports Recap, Auto News, Lexus and Cadillac Reviews | #372

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:June 1, 2019
Post category:Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #372

Kicking off the show, Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr., fills us in on the 2019 Indianapolis 500, Roger Penske’s 18th win at the age of 82, and how an over abundance of content are likely responsible for the decline in big race-day viewership. Next, Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, chats about everything from Alexander Rossi in the Indy 500 to $21 hotdogs to Dollar General bargains. Steve also reviews the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V. Changing gears, Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, discusses FCA’s rumored courting of France-based Renault for a potential merger and what effects such a merger could have. We also hear about BJ’s tear-inducing test drive of the 2019 Lexus RC F. Closing the show, Autoblog Editor-in-Chief, Greg Migliore, gives us his take on the proposed FCA/Renault merger, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, 2020 Toyota GR Supra, 2020 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and more! Tune in for another great week of coverage from all over the automotive industry.

[00:00:00] 2019 Indianapolis 500 Recap
[00:06:08] 82 Year Old Roger Penske’s 18th Win
[00:12:31] Content Overload Edges Out Coca-Cola 600
[00:19:51] Indy 500, $21 Hotdogs, Dollar Bargains
[00:27:49] Alexander Rossi Steals Show at Indy 500
[00:35:53] 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V
[00:42:14] FCA Courting Renault for Merger
[00:47:45] Audi and Cadillac Making Changes
[00:54:44] 2019 Lexus RC F and LC 500 Reviews
[01:02:05] Lexus and Toyota Really Growing on Alan
[01:08:50] Autoblog, FCA Renault, SF90 Stradali
[01:18:06] Autoblog’s Take on Supra and TrailBlazer

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Mid-Engine Corvette, Luxurious Test Drives, and Auto News | #363

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:March 23, 2019
Post category:Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #363

Horsepower, luxury, and value, what we love in cars here on THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor. We kick off the show with Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, and Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, who tells us about the new mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette – a beast of a machine with more horsepower than its chassis can handle. Then we talk about the all-electric Kia Niro with a 250 mile range and the Land Rover Evoque that he test drove in Greece. Next, we discuss the insane $200,000+ Mercedes-Benz Maybach SUV, the affordably luxurious Kia K900, and the release of the Tesla Model Y (but, why?), with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen. Shifting gears, our new friend and Editor and Publisher of Rides and Drives, Harvey Briggs, shares about his test drive of the ultra-luxurious 2020 BMW X7 SAV with Alan Taylor. Harvey also discusses his time cruising down under in a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the diesel version of the Ranger we all wish we could get our hands on. Changing lanes, automotive journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, gives the update on 12 Hours of Sebring, in which Cadillac dominated (taking first, second, and third place), and gushes about his extended experience with the Acura NSX. Closing out the show, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, reviews the new Ford F-250 Super Duty and gives us new information on the upcoming Ghostbusters movie. Tune in for the latest automotive news and test drive reviews.

[00:00:00] A lot of Horsepower, A lot of Problems
[00:06:15] Corvette Speculation and Kia Niro
[00:12:30] Land Rover Evoque Test Drive in Greece
[00:19:51] Redesigned, Luxurious Kia K900
[00:29:36] Mercedes-Benz Maybach SUV
[00:35:52] Tesla to Release the Model Y
[00:42:12] Introducing Harvey Briggs
[00:48:03] 2020 BMW X7 XDrive50I – Luxury Supreme
[00:54:43] Driving the New Ford Ranger Down Under
[01:02:04] Acura NSX and Golden Age of Automobiles
[01:11:23] Cadillac Dominates 12 Hours of Sebring
[01:18:04] Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ghostbusters

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

2018 J.D. Power Consumer Studies, Auto News, and Test Drives | #343

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:September 8, 2018
Post category:Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #343

The auto industry is like a fine wine, it gets better with age. First, J.D. Power Vice President of Global Automotive, Dave Sargent, reports on the results of their 2018 US APEAL Study, which found automakers to be doing a tremendous job of delivering to customer expectations. Also, find out which technology advances in cars today have people jumping for joy, and which are making people pull their hair out. Then, Automotive Journalist featured on Automobilemag.com, Steven Cole Smith, fills us in on the North American Car of the Year nominees, North American International Auto Show updates, his trek up the Rubicon Trail in a Jeep, and NASCAR news. Steven also chats with Alan about the 2019 Infiniti QX50, the access economy, and Parachut.co. Next, after a couple of weeks of intensive traveling, Alan and Automotive Journalist, BJ Killeen, catch up and discuss Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, golf, auto manufacturer luxury channels, and the 2018 Mazda CX-9. BJ got a chance to sit behind the wheel of the new CX-9, and found many things impressive, but was struggling to notice anything that separated it from the pack. Similarly, Alan drove the Mercedes-Benz C 350e and thought it was a very nice car, but it just didn’t fit him. Last, Autotrader.com Executive Editor, Brian Moody, extols the 2019 GMC Sierra, saying it’s the best full-size pickup there is, with the only caveat being that no truck on the market can match RAM’s interiors. The 2019 GMC Sierra has video camera mirrors, a carbon fiber insert for the bed, looks that can kill, and a truly reinvented tailgate. Its tailgate is like something out of transformers, with the ability to fold into several different configurations. Also, Brian fills us in on the insanely depreciated used electric car market. Some amazing cars at a fraction of their ‘new’ sticker price include various models of BMW i3 for $20,000, previous generation Nissan Leaf and Fiat 500e for $10,000, and even Tesla Model S for $30,000. Tune in for more.

[00:00:00] Customers Demand, Manufacturers Deliver
[00:06:34] Technology Usage in Vehicles Quantified
[00:12:30] North American Car of the Year 2018
[00:19:51] 2019 Infiniti QX50
[00:29:05] The Rise of the Access Economy
[00:35:51] Rubicon Trail and NASCAR News
[00:42:12] Golf Is Fun, but It’s Great to Be Home
[00:48:16] Missed Beats of the 2018 Mazda CX-9
[00:54:43] Mazda CX-9 – Stuck Between Two Segments
[01:02:04] Mercedes-Benz C 350e, It Doesn’t Fit Me
[01:09:24] 2019 GMC Sierra: Best Truck Ever?
[01:18:05] Used Electric Car Deals on Autotrader

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Jet Power, Black Mountain Jeep, and Dodge Charger GT | #325

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:March 17, 2018
Post category:Podcast
Post comments:0 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #325

Speed, horsepower, braking capability, and handling all make up that beautiful experience we call driving. Innovations in the automotive industry have helped designers capture and create amazing machines. This week, we dive into the hobby with some real petrol heads. We begin the show with a bang as automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, shares his 303-MPH experience in a jet-powered dragster. Then, George Kennedy, automotive journalist for the Boston Globe, sounds off about the Dodge Charger GT AWD and the anticipated return of the Toyota Supra. As if the first hour wasn’t great enough, we are joined by Dennis Collins of Collins Bros Jeep, Russell Holmes of Garage Rehab, and “Big Chris” Smith of Black Mountain Jeep for the second hour of the show. Dennis tells us that Russell has his shop all torn up for great reasons, and “Big Chris” is helping take Black Mountain Jeep’s idea of distribution to a whole new level. Don’t miss this fast-paced, hilarious group of car guys!

[00:00:00] Jet Powered Dragsters
[00:06:24] 303-MPH, A Walk in the Park
[00:12:31] Jay Leno’s Jet Powered Motorcycle
[00:19:54] Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster
[00:28:10] AWD Dodge Charger GT
[00:35:55] Return of the Toyota Supra
[00:42:16] Garage Rehab and Collins Bros Jeep
[00:48:08] Black Mountain Jeep Goes Global
[00:54:47] Building Your Garage to Produce
[01:02:09] Become Your Own Dealer
[01:10:48] JL Wrangler Extensive Redesign
[01:18:11] Don’t Forget the Classics

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

BMW 5 Series, Roadie, and Daytona 500 | #323

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:February 24, 2018
Post category:Podcast
Post comments:0 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #323

The automotive industry is always keeping us on our toes and this week is no different. We begin the show with automotive journalist, George Kennedy, to hear about the Women’s Motormouth event at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Plus, George reviews the BMW 5 series plug-in hybrid. Then, we chat with Marc Gorlin, Founder of Roadie, who explains their app which allows you to get paid to deliver items for other patrons. After that, we hear the latest on NASCAR from automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith. Last but not least, we catch up with technology expert, John Ellis, who talks about the value of automotive data tracking, and how we can prepare for the future of mobility. Join us now for more on the crazy car world.

[00:00:00] Women’s Motormouth
[00:05:22] Subaru Subscription
[00:12:30] BMW 5 Series Plug-In Hybrid
[00:19:53] Environmental Motoring
[00:27:18] Get Paid to Deliver
[00:35:55] Seven-Foot Jar Jar Binks
[00:42:15] Lowest Rated Daytona 500
[00:48:27] NASCAR Falls Short
[00:54:46] Continental Tire Issues
[01:02:08] Ferrari Portofino Drive
[01:10:54] Automotive Data Collection
[01:18:10] China’s Push to Electric

Discover more about segments and guests below…

(more…)

Jeep Trackhawk Drive Experience, Flood Cars, and More | #302

Post author:Lauren Fix
Post published:September 9, 2017
Post category:Podcast
Post comments:0 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #302

Our cars play vital roles in our daily lives and when you buy a new one, you want to know that it will get you to where you need to go. In the devastating aftermath of the hurricane season, there will be many severely damaged cars to keep a wary eye out for. We chat with Kelley Blue Book’s Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, and automotive journalist, BJ Killeen about the dangers of purchasing a possibly flood damaged car. Be aware of what your new car could be hiding from you. Next, Karl and automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, give their exciting first drive impressions of the 707-HP 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Then, Steven also gives us an update on what is happening in the world of NASCAR. Last but surely not least, JoshCAR’s Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, discusses the new Mercedes G-Class, automotive sales for August, and the Logan Lucky Mustang. All of this and more! Tune in now.

[00:00:00] Auto Sales in Aftermath of Hurricane Season
[00:06:24] Hurricanes Create a Plague in Car Industry
[00:12:31] Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is Here
[00:19:52] KIA Rio Integrates Easily into Your Life
[00:27:43] Don’t Be Fooled – Buyer BEWARE!
[00:35:56] Huge Unveilings Coming Soon to Car Shows
[00:42:16] Answer to Power: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
[00:48:33] Be Careful What You Tweet NASCAR Drivers
[00:54:48] What Will Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Fans Do?
[01:02:09] Mercedes G-Class is Becoming More Luxurious
[01:10:23] August Auto Sales Better Than Expected
[01:18:12] Dodge Demon, Viper, and Logan Lucky Mustang