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

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

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A Taste of China, Saleen S1, Autotrader, and C8 Corvette | #377

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #377

Alan just got back from his first ever trip to China to visit Steve Saleen’s new mega-factory, and his mind is blown! JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, chats about Alan’s trip to China, the Saleen S1, Steve Saleen, the premier of Quentin Tarrantio’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, and more! Next up, freelance automotive journalist, Mike Austin, discusses the new testing ground for Mercedes-Daimler’s self-parking garage, the upcoming electric Ford F-150, and the prevalence of green cars in China. Changing lanes, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, fills us in on the extravagant 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette reveal, its mind blowing pricing, and somewhat underwhelming specs. Brian also shares a few Autotrader lists, covering the most affordable mid-engine cars, lowest cost hybrid SUVs, and the most popular cars on Autotrader.com. Closing out the show, freelance journalist, Tom Wilson, chats with Alan about their trip to China, Steve Saleen’s 2.5 million square foot factory, and his first hand experience with the Saleen S1. Listen in to stay up to date with the automotive industry.

 

  • [00:00:00] Alan and Josh Talk China, GT, and Demon
  • [00:06:15] Steve Saleen S1, Mega Factory in China
  • [00:12:30] Alan’s Eye-Opening Trip to China
  • [00:19:51] Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Premier
  • [00:27:45] Mercedes Tests Self Parking Garage
  • [00:35:52] Electric Ford F-150, Green Cars in China
  • [00:42:12] Bombastic Chevrolet C8 Corvette Reveal
  • [00:48:37] 495 HP Mid-Engine Corvette – $60,000?!
  • [00:54:43] Affordable Mid-Engine Cars, Hybrid SUVs
  • [01:02:04] Most Popular Cars on Autotrader
  • [01:10:35] Steve Saleen’s 2.5 Million SqFt Factory
  • [01:18:05] The Saleen S1 is a Roomy Sports Car

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Jeep Gladiator Mods and Reviews, Fast N’ Loud, and HAN | #376

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #376

Kicking off the show, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, is relaxing in Costa Rica for the “Lexus Milestones” 30th Anniversary event. We discuss the brands ascent to legendary luxury status, how it disrupted the industry, and how Kia and Hyundai are doing similar things in today’s world. Karl also fills us in on the new Ford/Volkswagen alliance. Then, Collins Bros. Jeep and Black Mountain Jeep, Dennis Collins, shares his latest creation: the first 2020 Jeep Gladiator with a 6.4L V8 HEMI! Also, Dennis discusses the opening of a new Black Mountain Jeeps location, Pebble Beach Concours, and other upcoming events. Shifting gears, Motorsport Auction Group Founder, Mike Oberle, divulges what’s in store for their auction during Hot August Nights on August 8th, 9th, and 10th, including Alan’s serial number 8 Dodge Demon! Then, Hot August Nights Executive Director, Mike Whan, gives us a detailed outline of the awesome entertainment and events they have in store, including appearances by The Temptations, Little River Band, Chubby Checker, and more! Changing lanes, Fast N’ Loud, Richard Rawlings, describes how Chad McQueen approached him to create the recent two hour epic episode in which they shut down the streets of San Fansico to recreate the legendary Bullitt Mustang chase sequence. Richard also fills us in on his new podcast, Beer:30, asks for malt liquor suggestions for his new wine cellar, and drops some exclusive, big news about his deal with Discovery! Closing out the show, Cartender Co-Founder, and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, compares his time in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan with his test drive of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Find out why George thinks the Jeep Gladiator is the perfect weekend warrior machine.

 

  • [00:00:00] Genesis, BMW, Lexus’ 30th Anniversary
  • [00:05:46] New Ford and Volkswagen Alliance
  • [00:12:30] First 6.4L V8 HEMI 2020 Jeep Gladiator
  • [00:19:50] Black Mountain Jeep and Upcoming Events
  • [00:29:22] Hot August Nights MAG Auction Preview
  • [00:35:52] Mike Whan’s Hot August Nights Preview
  • [00:42:13] Epic Fast N’ Loud Episode Shuts Down SF
  • [00:48:47] Contract Free, Beer:30, and Malt Liquor
  • [00:54:44] Richard Rawlings, and Cullinan Factoids
  • [01:02:05] Feeling Out of Place in Rolls Royce
  • [01:10:34] George’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator Review
  • [01:18:06] The Perfect Weekend Warrior Machine

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Performance SUVs, Mid-Engine Corvette, 24 Hours of Le Mans | #374

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #374

We kick off the show with Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, as we discuss the possibility of Alan selling his serial #8 Dodge Demon, Mid-Engine Corvette rumors, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and the rapidly changing automotive industry how KBB keeps up. Next, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reviews the Kia Telluride and Toyota Sienna. Both of these amazing vehicles should be considered for any family looking to upgrade to a spacious ride. Then, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us his impressions on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and a quick Hollywood car update. Closing the show, Co-founder of Cartender and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, gushes about his love for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, reviews the 2019 GMC Acadia SLT 1 Black Edition, and chats with Alan about his 1973 Chevrolet Blazer with full removable hardtop. Tune in for more on the latest performance SUVs, racing news, and sports car talk.

 

  • [00:00:00] Specialty Sports Cars Hold Value
  • [00:06:02] Market Oversaturated with Special Cars?
  • [00:12:30] Mid-Engine Corvette Mass Production?
  • [00:19:51] Performance SUVs and Decline of Sedans
  • [00:28:24] Le Mans: A 24 Hour Race of Endurance
  • [00:35:53] Auto Industry in Flux, How KBB Keeps Up
  • [00:42:13] BJ Killeen Finally Reviews Kia Telluride
  • [00:48:56] Kia Low Quality No More and Rental Cars
  • [00:54:44] Minivan Market and Toyota Sienna Review
  • [01:02:05] Stelvio Quadrifoglio Review / Movie News
  • [01:09:58] GMC Acadia SLT 1 and ‘73 Blazer
  • [01:18:06] Hypercars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

 

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Ford Ranger, Autotrader, Airless Tires, and Car Reviews | #373

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #373

Can most people make full use of a one-ton dually pickup truck? Likely, the answer is no and we could go as far as to question how necessary a 1500 class truck is as well. Co-founder of Cartender and freelance automotive journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, explains why the mid-size Ford Ranger could be the perfect size truck for most Americans; but does that mean the Ranger is George’s #1 pick for the category? Not necessarily. Find out why he thinks a Toyota Tacoma would fit his needs better. Then, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, discusses Autotrader’s “10 Best Cars to Lease in 2019”, “Best Pet Accessories for Your Car: 2019 Edition”, and “6 Great Used Family Sedans Under $15,000 for 2019” articles. Next up, freelance automotive journalist, Mike Austin, shares some industry news, including a deal between Michelin and General Motors to test airless tires on a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt, Cadillac Super Cruise update, and Ford v Ferrari. Closing the show, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares skepticism of Elon Musk’s promises of a new pickup to beat all pickups from Tesla, and reviews the Hyundai Accent. Tune in for the latest from the automotive industry.

 

  • [00:00:00] Do You Really Need A Massive Truck?
  • [00:06:10] Camping and the 2019 Ford Ranger
  • [00:12:31] Ford Ranger Not Worth the Price Tag?
  • [00:19:51] Best Pet Accessories for Your Car
  • [00:27:47] Best Cars to Lease in 2019
  • [00:35:52] Great Used Family Sedans for Under $15k
  • [00:42:13] Mike Austin’s 80s and 90s Car Nostalgia
  • [00:48:15] Michelin and GM to Test Airless Tires
  • [00:54:44] Cadillac Super Cruise / Ford v Ferrari
  • [01:02:05] Alan Selling Demon, Tesla Truck Incoming
  • [01:11:39] Hyundai Accent is a Low Budget Car
  • [01:18:07] Alan On the Hunt for New Kia Telluride

 

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John Wick 3, Toyota GR Supra, Chevy Blazer, and Tesla | #371

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #371

Amazing, massive horsepower machines have become like Alan’s favorite food if he’d eaten it every day for the past 10 years. In short, Alan is… was having a hard time being turned on by cars – until he drove the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, discusses the new 2020 Toyota GR Supra, why Toyota’s partnership with BMW was a very smart move, and how RAM and Dodge have been able to position themselves ahead of Chevrolet in the truck and muscle car categories. Then, we chat with Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, about his test drive of the Chevrolet Blazer, and three new lists on Autotrader including the 12 Best New Cars. Shifting gears, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, reviews ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, fills us in on the upcoming movie ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’, and shares his excitement over the Aston Martin DBX. Next, Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, gives us the pros and cons of the 2019 Toyota Tundra and joins Alan for a little bit of Tesla bashing. Closing the show, Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr., remembers the life and accomplishments of the late Niki Lauda and gives us an update on where the field stands for the Indianapolis 500. Don’t miss this weeks car reviews and auto news.

 

  • [00:00:00] Toyota Supra Reignites Alan’s Passion
  • [00:05:59] Toyota Found Smart Way to Make Supra
  • [00:12:30] RAM Vs Chevrolet: Art Vs Science
  • [00:19:51] Chevrolet Blazer: The Old Vs The New
  • [00:28:06] 2020 Blazer: Wrong Name, Great SUV
  • [00:35:46] Autotrader’s 12 Best New Cars
  • [00:42:16] The Art of Racing in the Rain
  • [00:48:03] John Wick 3 and Aston Martin DBX
  • [00:54:47] Things the 2019 Toyota Tundra Got Right
  • [01:02:07] Toyota Tundra Is Great, But Outdated
  • [01:10:14] Tesla Stocks Fall 38% in 2019
  • [01:18:08] Indy 500 / Remembering Niki Lauda

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Used Performance Cars for Under $20K, Mazda Miata, Kia Soul, and More! | #364

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #364

If you want performance, but you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for it, tune in for some great tips and reviews. Kicking off the show, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, brings us a list of the best used performance cars for under $20,000, including the Ford Fiesta ST, FIAT 500 Abarth, and more! Then, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, gushes over her test drive of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. This jewel of a machine has style, balance, and power enough to get you around the track, all for a very affordable price. We also chat about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, pothole woes, and exorbitant insurance prices. Changing gears, Co-founder of Cartender and automotive journalist for CarGurus, The Boston Globe, and U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, is back for round two of the electric car debate. Also, George gives us his test drive impressions for the 2019 Kia Soul (hint: it’s awesome), and the versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Then, President and CEO of Brembo Brakes North America, Dan Sandberg, tells us why they’ve decided to launch their all new web marketplace, BrembostoreUSA.com, and what you can expect to find there. Closing the show, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, praises the Tesla Model 3 and its combination of power and handling that give it a uniquely Porsche 911 feel. Listen in for more about these amazing, inexpensive vehicles.

 

  • [00:00:00] Ford Fiesta ST and FIAT 500 Abarth
  • [00:06:08] Great Performance Cars for Under $20K
  • [00:12:30] Get a 2005-2008 C6 Corvette for $15K!
  • [00:19:51] 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
  • [00:29:25] Mazda Miata, Jeep Gladiator, and Potholes
  • [00:35:52] The Exorbitant Price of Insurance
  • [00:42:13] Alan Just Wants A Wild Visceral Ride
  • [00:48:26] Custom Electric Rides Bring the Power
  • [00:54:44] Kia Soul, an All-Around Amazing Vehicle
  • [01:02:04] Versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
  • [01:10:44] Introducing All-New BremboStoreUSA.com
  • [01:18:06] Tesla Model 3: Great Power and Handling

 

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

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

 

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