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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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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CAS Review, Demon vs Redeye, Viper Sale, and Collins Bros Jeep | #359

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #359

It seems like there’s big news coming out every week around this time of year due to the plethora of international car shows that are taking place, like the Chicago Auto Show (CAS). First up to bat to fill us in on CAS happenings is Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, 2020 Kia Telluride, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gave Brian a lot to be excited about. While a few SUVs and sedans did stand out, the Chicago Auto Show had a clear focus on trucks. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares how manufacturers are pushing their trucks further and further, which vehicles caught her eye, and which rides fell flat. Next up, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader.com, and Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, talks about his Rubella scare after the Detroit Auto Show, and the reintroduction of Sublime (a bright green) green to Mopar cars at CAS. Speaking of Mopar cars, Alan and Karl have both had their Dodge Demons for a year and it’s time for their extended review of this beast of a machine. Another monster machine that Alan owns is his 1-of-1 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, but he’s trying to not own it anymore; check out this future classic on ClassicCars.com. Closing the show, Owner of Collins Bros Jeep, Dennis Collins, gushes about the 2019 Dodge SRT Hellcat Redeye; this car loses to the Demon ever so slightly on horsepower, but makes up for it everywhere else. Also, we find out how Black Mountain Jeep’s licensee program works, how the trade wars are affecting business, why Dennis isn’t banking on the restomod market, and what kind of plans Dennis has for the rebirth of the Jeep Gladiator. Tune in for another exciting week of auto show coverage and monster car reviews.

 

  • [00:00:00] 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
  • [00:05:24] Kia Telluride, Subaru Legacy, Shelby GT500
  • [00:12:31] 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI at CAS
  • [00:19:51] 30 Year Anniversaries and Awesome Trucks
  • [00:28:20] BJ’s Top Picks from Chicago Auto Show
  • [00:35:52] New Chevrolet Blazer a Disappointment?
  • [00:42:12] Sublime Green is Back and Rubella Scare
  • [00:48:03] Tesla Loses Tax Credit and Autonomy
  • [00:54:43] Dodge Demon One Year Report Card
  • [01:02:04] It’s Time to Let the 2016 Viper ACR Go
  • [01:09:00] Dodge Redeye and Restomod Market
  • [01:18:04] Black Mountain Jeep, Tariffs, Gladiator

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Porsche, NAIAS, EVs, Ford GT Fiasco, NACTOY, Cadillac, and Tesla | #357

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #357

As January turns to February, the industry is awash with news, scandals, and car companies struggling to stake out their place. Starting off the show, Kelley Blue Book Director of Industry Insights, Michael Harley, fills us in on his recent test drives of the new 2020 Porsche 911 and 2020 Porsche Panamera. We also tackle Porsche’s foray into the electric vehicle (EV) with the renamed Porsche Taycan (previously ‘Mission E’), and Michael shares a couple of wacky experiences he had riding in autonomous cars. Next, while we may have missed the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI, Autorader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, remained faithful and is here to give us some highlights from the show. Also, Brian questions whether all of these automakers that are pumping out three-row SUVs will be faced with a rude awakening when consumer price fatigue sets in. Changing gears, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Autorader, and Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, discusses the Ford GT resale scandal and his new 2019 Ford GT (which went straight from the delivery truck to the detail shop). Then, Automotive Expert, “The Car Coach”, and President of North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) Awards, Lauren Fix, shares the winners of the Car, Truck, and Utility vehicle categories, which were revealed at NAIAS recently. Lauren also gives a preview of what’s in store at the Chicago Auto Show as Alan blows her mind with statistics from Barrett-Jackson’s most recent Scottsdale auction. Closing the show, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, discusses Cadillac’s decision to focus on electric vehicles, Elon Musk and Tesla’s shaky public perception, Lincoln’s amazing concierge services, and Carlos Ghosn’s Japanese imprisonment. Tune in for the latest automotive insights.

 

  • [00:00:00] Porsche Finally Gets the Panamera Right
  • [00:06:18] Next Generation of the Porsche 911
  • [00:12:30] Porsche Taycan, EVs, and Autonomy
  • [00:19:51] Toyota Supra: The Buzz of NAIAS
  • [00:28:55] Three-Row SUVs and Buyer Price Fatigue
  • [00:35:52] Look Out for Kia Telluride and Mazda3
  • [00:42:12] Karl’s Ford GT: Delivered but not Driven
  • [00:48:08] Ford GT Resale Embargo Fiasco
  • [00:54:43] NACTOY Awards and EV Tax Credit Slash
  • [01:02:04] Chicago Auto Show and Barrett-Jackson
  • [01:07:40] Cadillac Goes EV, Tesla Looking Shaky
  • [01:18:05] Lincoln’s Concierge, and Ghosn’s Woes

 

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End of the Year Car Panoply and 2019 Preview | #355

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #355

It’s the last show of the year, and time to get everything out of our system! First, we chat with Collins Bros Jeep President and Owner, Dennis Collins, about the new Jeep JLU and JKU Wrangler Rubicon, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye wide body, and the exciting list of cars he’s bringing to Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona. Changing lanes, automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, fills us in on the postseason slump in motorsports, the Nissan Maxima and Murano, and the all-new Ford Ranger; will the Ranger’s excessive price put another damper on the small and midsize truck category? Next, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, and Dealer.com Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, catches us up on his Ford GT and tour of the Multimatic Facility where it is being built. Switching gears, Co-founder of Cartender and freelance automotive journalist, George Kennedy III, gives us his take on the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator, and gets us pumped about Wide Open Baja, a touring service that gives us a taste of the Baja 500 and 1000 endurance races. Then, Blinker.com Founder and CEO, Rod Buscher, describes his revolutionary private party car trading app that also functions as a car identifier. Lastly, freelance automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, praises the new 2019 Toyota RAV4’s fresh redesign and coaxes some information about Alan’s new TV show, THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor, out of him. Don’t miss this year-end wrap up with your favorite car experts!

 

  • [00:00:00] MOPAR or No Car for Dennis Collins
  • [00:06:09] Eclectic Classics at Barrett-Jackson
  • [00:12:31] Nissan Maxima, Murano, and Ford Ranger
  • [00:19:52] Over Pricing to Kill Small Trucks Again?
  • [00:27:26] The Motorsports Off Season
  • [00:35:52] Touring the Ford GT Multimatic Facility
  • [00:42:13] Ford Ranger Returns as Midsize Truck
  • [00:48:12] Will the Jeep Gladiator Dominate 2019?
  • [00:54:44] Wide Open Baja
  • [01:01:57] Blinker.com, Buy or Sell Cars Privately
  • [01:11:17] The Toyota RAV4’s New Groove
  • [01:17:58] THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor on TV!

 

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The Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018 Part 1 | #350

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #350

Alan heads up the Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018 as the automotive industry once again gathers in Las Vegas, Nevada to show of their latest innovations and new products. Up first, “Wheeler Dealers” Host, Mike Brewer, shares his automotive enthusiasm and origin story on the Craftsman live stage. Next, star of “Fast N’ Loud”, Richard Rawlings, discusses his numerous lucrative business ventures, from tequila, energy drinks, and restaurants to his multiple television shows. Shifting gears, original inventor of the HAZMAT system, Nick Singer, tells us about his most recent project, Truck ‘N’ Cover, a series of modular truck bed systems that will revolutionize the way your family uses their pickup. Next up, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America, Steve Beahm, chats about the new Dodge Redeye, a 797-HP everyman’s version of the Demon. Shifting gears, Mr. Norm’s GSS Supercar Vehicle Program Director, Larry Weiner, shares the rich history of Hurst Shifters from their inception in 1958 to their 60th anniversary this year. Then, ClassicCar.com President and Founder, Roger Falcione, describes how you can use his classic car trading site to sell your vehicle and spread its story; every car has a story on ClassicCars.com. Changing lanes, Host of “Long Lost Family” and “Overhaulin’”, Chris Jacobs, talks about his favorite cars and projects, including a 1985 Porsche 911, a 1968 Plymouth GTX, and his work on TLC’s tearjerker, “Long Lost Family”. This show is particularly close to Chris’ heart as he too was reunited with his birth mother at the age of 23. Also, Dennis Collins and Kelsey Collins of Collins Bros Jeep recount what it’s like to work with Richard Rawlings, and their recent win at Kuwait Concours d’Elegance with an Austin Healey named Goldie. Wrapping up the show, LINE-X President, Dennis Weese, and American television personality, Jesse James, discuss LINE-X’s display at SEMA, including their amazingly strong protective coating, and a pair of Dodge Rams separated by 25 years. Jesse also fills us in on his time spent as crew chief for his wife, Alexis DeJoria, and recent foray into the firearms industry. Don’t miss out on these exciting interviews from the Craftsman Garage live stage at SEMA 2018.

 

  • [00:00:00]“Deals on Wheels” to “Wheeler Dealers”
  • [00:08:19] Falling In Love With 200 Cars
  • [00:12:30] Richard Rawlings and His Many Ventures
  • [00:19:51]  Extend Capabilities with Truck ‘N’ Cover
  • [00:28:08] FCA’s Steve Beahm on Dodge Redeye
  • [00:35:51] This History of Hurst Shifters
  • [00:42:11] Your Car’s Story on ClassicCars.com
  • [00:45:14] Project Cars and “Long Lost Family”
  • [00:54:42] Search for Classic Cars Continues
  • [01:02:03] LINE-X and Jesse James’ New Show
  • [01:12:33] Jesse James the Crew Chief
  • [01:18:04] LINE-X 1993 Dodge Ram by Jesse James

 

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Rare Classics and Late Model Contenders | #261

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #261

Fast N’ Loud’s Dennis Collins gives us a look at his exclusive car collection, Alan and BJ review the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack, we learn what Canada is doing to tackle climate change, get details on the one-person commuter called SOLO, and more.

 

  • [00:00:00] Antisocial Media
  • [00:06:54] Congrats Karl!
  • [00:12:30] Punching Up
  • [00:19:55] Keep it Clean (Energy)
  • [00:29:48] Trips and Test Drives
  • [00:35:58] Made in Germany
  • [00:42:12] VW Golf Alltrack
  • [00:49:00] Talking Specs
  • [00:54:44] VW Off Road
  • [01:02:05] VW Eats Humble Pie
  • [01:10:41] Think Pink
  • [01:18:07] Performance Encapsulated
  • [01:24:29] Jeep Fever
  • [01:29:38] Art on Wheels
  • [01:36:58] Rare Beauties
  • [01:44:21] SOLO EV
  • [01:52:59] Covercraft Question
  • [02:00:24] For the Win

 

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