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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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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Geneva Motor Show, Auto News, Dodge Charger AWD, and Kia Imagine | #362

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #362

If there’s one thing that the Swiss people are known for, it’s having a lot of money! Which is why it is fitting that the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) would showcase some of the wackiest, most outlandish, and of course, ridiculously expensive concept cars on the planet. Reporting from Geneva, Switzerland, so we don’t have to, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, fills us in on some of the craziest concept cars he’s witnessed. It isn’t all highfalutin dream-cars in Geneva; the Mazda CX-30, Subaru e-Boxer engine, and Honda e Prototype have much more grounded philosophies in mind. Changing gears, Executive Publisher for Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, gives us his drive review of his new Ford GT (finally!), and discusses electric vehicles and the effects of trade tariffs on the automotive industry. Next, Co-founder of  CarTender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, makes a case for electric cars and showers praise upon the 2019 Dodge Charger SXT AWD. Closing the show, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, offers her opinion about some of the strange (and amazing) designs at the Geneva Motor Show. While the Hispano Suiza Carmen and Engler F.F. Super Quad may be goofier looking than Donald Duck’s best buddy, cars like the Bugatti La Voiture Noire and Kia Imagine are inspired and beautiful.

 

  • [00:00:00] Lancia Stratos and GFG Style Kangaroo
  • [00:06:27] Mazda CX30 and Honda e Prototype
  • [00:12:32] Subaru e-Boxer and Electric Vehicles
  • [00:19:53] Electric Vehicles Just Need Good Range
  • [00:28:24] Finally Behind the Wheel of the Ford GT
  • [00:35:54] Tariffs Causing a Ripple Effect
  • [00:42:15] Appeal of Formula E and EVs
  • [00:48:28] Electric Cars: Novelty or the Future?
  • [00:54:45] 2019 Dodge Charger All-Wheel Drive
  • [01:02:06] Horrible Designs from Geneva Motor Show
  • [01:12:39] La Voiture Noire and Mini Cooper Hybrid
  • [01:18:07] Kia Imagine and VW I.D. Buggy Concepts

 

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Automotive Super Bowl Ads, Volvo S90, Brembo, and Motorsports | #358

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #358

From Super Bowl LIII ads to a good old fashioned set of brakes, we’ve got automotive news galore in this week’s episode. First up, we chat with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, about her favorite Super Bowl LIII commercials, the Chicago Auto Show, and import vehicles. Changing lanes, Co-founder of CarTender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, discusses the willful ‘sports ball’ ignorance, the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, winter vehicles, and the exceptional work being done by Jeep and Hyundai. Then, Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us an insider’s look into the film industry, confirming a new entry into the Ghostbusters franchise, and getting us pumped up for Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw. Also, Josh reviews his test drive of the fresh 2019 Volvo S90 sedan; it’s the epitome of luxury. Closing the show, we explore the decline in popularity of paper publications, the amazing story (and brakes) of Brembo, and motorsports news with freelance automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith. Don’t let this weeks automotive news pass you by.

 

  • [00:00:00] Amazing Age of Automotive Technology
  • [00:05:30] Our Favorite Super Bowl Commercials
  • [00:12:30] Chicago Auto Show and Import Vehicles
  • [00:19:51] Willful Ignorance of the Sports Ball
  • [00:28:30] Halftime and Subaru’s Winter Vehicles
  • [00:35:51] Jeep and Hyundai, Dressed to Impress
  • [00:42:12] Volvo Steps It Up in Luxury Segment
  • [00:48:31] Volvo S90: Only One Engine Option?
  • [00:54:43] “Hobbs and Shaw” and “Ghostbusters”
  • [01:02:04] The Plight of Paper Publications
  • [01:10:53] Brembo, The Only Brakes You’ll Care About
  • [01:18:05] Upcoming Races Update

 

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