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

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

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

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

 

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Rivian, Subaru, Jeep, Porsche and Others Go Big at LA Auto Show | #353

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #353

While international auto shows start to wane, what is perhaps the most important exhibition in the largest automotive market in the world continues to stand strong. The Los Angeles Auto Show brought us many tasty morsels to digest as we wait for the ambitious unveilings to transform into reality. One of the juiciest bits was the unveiling of Rivian, and Automotive Journalist, Basem Wasef, says it was the big standout of the show for him. Also, Basem shares how world culture has given him a unique automotive perspective, and fills us in on his new book, “Speed Read Supercar”. Then, Director of Corporate Communications for Rivian, Michael McHale, reveals where the company came from and gives us the details on the R1T and R1S, their all-electric truck and SUV offerings which were shown off to the world for the first time at the LA Auto Show. Next up, Kelley Blue Book’s Karl Brauer remains skeptical as to whether or not anything will come of Rivian – he’s seen and heard it all before. What really impressed Karl was the new Gladiator, Jeep’s first truck! Shifting gears, President and CEO of Subaru North America, Tom Doll, is excited to discuss the new Crosstrek Hybrid, next generation Outback and Legacy, the 7 to 8-seater Ascent, and record month-to-month sales. Changing lanes, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us his picks from the LA Auto Show, including the Toyota TJ concept, Lincoln Aviator, and Hyundai Palisade. Last up, Justice Brothers President and CEO, Ed Justice Jr., shares his thoughts on the new Porsche 911, and tells us what to expect from the new book, “Legacy of Justice / An American Family Story”, available on Amazon.com. Tune in for more from the LA Auto Show.

 

  • [00:00:00] LA Auto Show, Rivian, World Car Culture
  • [00:06:15] “Speed Read Supercar”
  • [00:12:30] Taking Electric Vehicles Off-Road
  • [00:19:51] Rivian R1T, The Truck of Tomorrow
  • [00:29:17] Vaporware or Reality?
  • [00:35:52] Jaded on New Electric Car Companies
  • [00:42:12] Jeep Gladiator Stealing the Auto Show
  • [00:48:37] Subaru Continues to Dominate
  • [00:54:43] Josh Hancock’s Picks from LA Auto Show
  • [01:02:04] Hyundai Palisade and 7-Passenger SUVs
  • [01:10:46] The New Porsche 911 – Is It Too Big?
  • [01:18:04] “Legacy of Justice”

 

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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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Mark Reuss’ Crash, FCA’s Five Year Plan, and Best Fuel Sippers | #335

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #335

It’s time to talk cars and we catch up with some of our favorites from the automotive industry. We begin the show with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who explains Mark Reuss’ recent crash in a Pace car at the Detroit Grand Prix. The Executive Vice President of Global Product Development wrecked a $120,000 2019 Corvette ZR1 when he lost control around a tight left-hand turn. He didn’t suffer any major injuries but we are sure this is something that will go down in automotive history. Shifting gears, Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock of JoshCAR, is back and brings us the latest from the star-studded automotive scene. He recently helped NBC bring in a display of Ferraris for the Magnum P.I. reboot upfronts, including the original 1982 Ferrari 308 GTS and a 2018 Ferrari 488. Josh raves about how fun it was to drive the 2018 and shares that many people were taking their picture with these iconic cars at the display. He also tells us that FCA has released their five year plan and they have basically said that they’re discontinuing Chrysler cars. It will be interesting to see what the future will be for FCA’s other brands. Alan and Josh then get into a fun debate about the latest pony car wars and decide which ones are their favorites. Next, Autotrader’s Executive Editor, Brian Moody, shares their list of “12 Fuel Sippers to Fight Rising Gas Prices” for 2018. The Chevy Bolt, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Kona are just a few on the list of cars that could save you some dollars on fuel. Brian talks about some rare rides that are for sale on Autotrader and ponders how much some of these are actually worth. Brian then lists Autotrader’s best certified pre-owned vehicle manufacturers which include Lexus and Porsche. He and Alan also review the 2019 Subaru Ascent which can seat up to eight people and still has all the great Subaru characteristics. Then, we chat with the ever wild Dennis Collins who updates us on the latest happenings at Collins Bros Jeep. Every Friday morning, he does a Coffee Walk where viewers can follow him around the shop and see the projects they’re putting their hard work into. He also raves about an up-fit they just did to his Jeep Trackhawk that took it up to about 805-HP. Lastly, Alan gives us an update on Barrett-Jackson Northeast at the Mohegan Sun which will take place June 20-23rd. Join us now for the latest and greatest in automotive news!

 

  • [00:00:00] Rare Car Investments
  • [00:05:34] Mark Reuss Crashes Corvette
  • [00:12:31] Magnum P.I. Ferrari Display
  • [00:19:52] FCA’s Five Year Plan
  • [00:28:07] Pony Car Wars
  • [00:35:53] 12 Fuel Sippers for 2018
  • [00:42:14] Rare Cars on Autotrader
  • [00:48:13] Best Certified Pre-Owned Rides
  • [00:54:45] 2019 Subaru Ascent
  • [01:02:05] Friday Coffee Walks
  • [01:10:44] 805-HP Jeep Trackhawk
  • [01:18:07] Barrett-Jackson Mohegan Sun

 

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Breakdowns, Travel Tips, Infiniti QX30, and More | #303

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #303

How can you prepare for the era of mobility? Automotive journalist BJ Killeen shares tips on what to do when you break down in a heavily trafficked area. She also discusses the Mercedes-Benz X-Class concept truck which is not exactly what you would expect. Veering down a different path, Chris Sheldrick, CEO of What3Words, sounds off about their revolutionary new navigation system that has covered the entire world. Next, TravelPulse Founder, Mark Murphy, discusses traveling after a natural disaster and gives advice on the best way to plan your trip. Switching gears, Chris Duke, Host of Motorz, reviews the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, and talks with us about Apple’s newest release, the iPhone X. We then explore Haynes automotive manuals with their Vice President, Mike Forsythe. We end the hour with Autotrader’s Michelle Krebs who discusses post-hurricane vehicle values and sales increase. Listen now.

  • [00:00:00] Thoughts Go Out to Hurricane Victims
  • [00:06:11] Broke Down on a Busy Highway
  • [00:12:26] Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept Truck
  • [00:19:48] What3Words Navigates the Entire World
  • [00:28:19] Media Can Ruin a Beautiful Travel Destination
  • [00:35:53] Vacation with Assurance Through a Travel Agent
  • [00:42:13] Infiniti QX30 is a Premium Cross-Over
  • [00:49:06] 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Review
  • [00:54:45] Apple iPhone X Has Been Announced
  • [01:02:07] Give the Gift of Automotive Knowledge
  • [01:11:11] Know the Value of Used Vehicles Before You Buy
  • [01:18:01] Jeep is For Sale but to Whom?

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Continue ReadingBreakdowns, Travel Tips, Infiniti QX30, and More | #303