Mustang Bullitt, Regenerative Braking, and Brian France’s DUI | #340

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #340

They really don’t make any bad vehicles these days and luckily our favorite automotive experts help us narrow down the right car for us. We begin the show with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who discusses why premium SUVs are taking a top spot in the market. BJ and Alan also talk about the 2018 Ford F-150 diesel that Alan drove down to Newport Beach and they excitedly chat about the greatly improved fuel consumption of most new trucks. Then, Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, sounds off about the latest rad events he was able to attend. San Francisco played host to a reenactment of the classic Mustang Bullitt car chase as Ford showed off the 2019-2020 redesign of the Mustang Bullitt and Karl said how cool it was to witness. After that, he tells us about his exciting drive down Pikes Peak in the all-new pure EV Audi e-tron and raves about its amazing regenerative brakes. Karl ends the first hour with an update on his greatly anticipated Ford GT, which he has made all of his final designs decisions on and is patiently waiting for its finalization. Next, Executive Editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody, pits the 2018 Toyota Tacoma against the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. While the Tacoma still has one of the best resale values in the truck market, the Colorado stole Autotrader’s vote. Brian explains that he believes the Tacoma played it a little too safe with their redesign, while the Colorado stepped it with their interior, diesel engine option and aggressive ZR2 off-road package. Continuing with the compact truck theme, Brian also addresses the rumors surrounding the U.S. version of the all-new Ford Ranger after a write up from their sister company in Australia, Car Guides. Brian explains that he doesn’t believe we will see a diesel engine but to keep an eye out for the 2.3L EcoBoost, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a plethora of safety features. Then, before Brian goes he explains Autotrader’s Accelerate, which is an online vehicle buying program that can make it possible for you to shop from the comfort of your own home. Switching gears, automotive journalist, George Kennedy, reviews the impressive handling of the 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody and explains that he really loved that one could tune the individual performance options on the infotainment system. After that, he sounds off about the 2018 Lexus NX vs the 2018 Acura RDX and shares that he was excited to drive these two major competitors back-to-back. The NX was a little too small for 6’3” George and the RDX had a frustrating infotainment system but overall, the two were really great cars for under $50k. Changing lanes, Ed Justice, Jr. updates us on the recent DUI of NASCAR’s CEO, Brian France’s, and what that could mean for the position he has been in for over a decade. Ed ends the hour by sharing about his favorite new documentary, Ferrari: Race to Immortality, which showcased the most dangerous and glamorous time in racing that took place from 1955-1958. Tune in now to fill your cranium with the latest and greatest from the automotive world.

 

  • [00:00:00] Take an Uber or a Cab
  • [00:05:49] Premium SUVs Are Booming
  • [00:12:30] Trucks Are Just Getting Better
  • [00:19:51] Mustang Bullitt Event in San Francisco
  • [00:28:35] Audi e-tron: Tesla Model X’s Competitor
  • [00:35:53] Karl’s New Ford GT Update
  • [00:42:14] Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado
  • [00:48:39] Rumors on the new Ford Ranger
  • [00:54:45] Handling of the Hellcat Widebody
  • [01:02:06] 2018 Lexus NX vs 2018 Acura RDX
  • [01:09:42] DUI of NASCAR’s Brian France
  • [01:18:07] Ferrari: Race to Immortality

 

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NAIAS, CES, Dodge Demon, and THE EXORCIST | #317

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #317

It’s a new year, and Alan is gearing up for a month of some of the big trade shows; CES, North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), and Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale are just around the corner. We chat with some of our favorite guests about what this year has in store. We begin the show with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who discusses the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY), and rides that are about to make their debut at NAIAS. Next, Brian Moody of Autotrader talks CES, auto apps, and life-saving autonomous technology. Changing lanes, John Hennessey of Hennessey Performance shares the story of why he created THE EXORCIST, a 1000-HP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Last but not least, Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book sounds off about his new monster, the Dodge Demon SRT. Tune in for an episode packed full of trade shows, technology, and horsepower.

  • [00:00:00] Gearing up for Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
  • [00:05:23] Automotive Awards Help Buyers Choose
  • [00:12:31] Mid-Engine Corvette at NAIAS
  • [00:19:53] Concepts Are Now Foreshadowing
  • [00:28:28] Mercedes G-Wagen & Rolls-Royce Phantom
  • [00:35:55] Automotive Technology at CES
  • [00:42:16] Technology is Here to Help
  • [00:48:41] Phone Apps that Warm Up Your Ride
  • [00:54:46] Let’s Make Tech Intuitive
  • [01:02:09] Answer to Demon: THE EXORCIST
  • [01:12:04] Dodge Demon Draws Crowds
  • [01:18:10] Most Bodacious Machine Ever Seen

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New Models, Electronic Brakes, and NACTOY | #316

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #316

The last episode of the year gears us up for the shifts in the automotive industry for 2018. We begin the show with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, who reviews the new Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. Next, technology expert, John Ellis, discusses his new book, The Zero Dollar Car. He explains how our cars will have the potential to use data tracking monetarily, and in turn, pay for themselves. Then, Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book sounds off about the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY), and discusses the future of autonomous automotive technology. We end the hour with Dan Sandberg of Brembo North America who tells us that he sees a solid future for electronic brakes and their company is working hard to stay ahead of the game. Listen now.

  • [00:00:00] Charlie’s Rough Ride
  • [00:05:50] Escalade vs. Navigator
  • [00:12:30] Navigator Steps Up a Notch
  • [00:19:53] Hats Off to the OEMs
  • [00:28:22] The Zero Dollar Car Pays for Itself
  • [00:35:55] Dark Side of Automotive Data Tracking
  • [00:42:15] NACTOY Difficult Decisions
  • [00:48:30] Tight Competition for NACTOY
  • [00:54:46] 2018: The Year of the Truck
  • [01:02:09] Autonomous Tech Leaps Forward
  • [01:10:40] Brembo Brakes Research Electronic
  • [01:18:11] New Breed of Materials for Our Rides

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