The "hot" topic of the hour is the insane news that California will ban purchasing internal combustion vehicles as of 2035. This is the 3rd time they have threatened to…
Alan drifts into this week with Steven Cole Smith – Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile magazine, and Grassroots Motorsports. The duo talks about the upcoming Daytona 500 and whether “covid”…
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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #354
The action from the Shell Pioneering Performance Stage is back for our final episode of coverage from SEMA 2018. Among those affected by the string of hurricanes these past few years was legendary designer and CEO of Hennessey Performance, John Hennessey. That’s why he’s very appreciative of Nissan’s Paws One Titan XD, as well as his Shell and Pennzoil extended family that helped him through the crisis of Hurricane Harvey. We also learn more about the Hennessey Venom F5, which is set to break the 300 mph production car barrier. Next up, Brembo North America President and CEO, Dan Sandberg, shares how they’re using the power of artificial intelligence (A.I.) to design the toughest brakes in the industry. Then, Dan is joined by Automotive Journalists, Nik Miles, and Automotive/Motorcycle Industry Insider Mike Caudill, from Our Auto Expert to discuss the Nissan Paws One Titan XD and Nexen Tire’s ‘American Muscle for American Heroes’ initiative. Changing lanes, eBay Motors Parts and Accessories Senior Director, Jordan Hettinga, gives us some astounding stats about the presence of eBay motors, including a catalog of 80 million car parts. Shifting gears, Owner of the 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback (Bullitt – ‘559), Sean Kiernan, Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) President, Mark Gessler, and “Barn Find Hunter” Host, Tom Cotter, chronicle the unique history of Steve McQueen’s legendary film-car. Tom also issues a warning: rust never sleeps, so keep your vehicles out of the weather! Then, “Big Chris” Smith and Dennis Collins of Black Mountain Jeep, and Restore A Muscle Car and Operator, Dave Hall, trade wild car stories, pay their respects to industry icon Chip Foose, and talk about their favorite classics. Closing out the show, Koester Racing Driver, Larry Koester, Tjin Edition Roadshow Automotive Designer, Neil Tjin, and his son, Collin Tjin, talk about the therapeutic properties of getting behind the wheel and going for a drive. We also learn about Tjin family projects, including a Ford Mustang design-off between father and son, in conjunction with Vaughn Gittin, Jr. Don’t miss the final episode of SEMA 2018 coverage.
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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #351
We’re back with another week of coverage from the Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018. First up, Wayne Carini from “Chasing Classic Cars” gives us his origin story and updates us on the shows status in the world of Discovery Network ratings. Next, Art Morrison Enterprises Owner, Art Morrison, and Operations Manager, Craig Morrison, discuss the art of balancing shop work and outdoor play. Also, catch some tips for a peaceful working relationship with family members. Before he was a 3000-HP tractor pull racer, Koester Racing’s Larry Koester met with an unfortunate accident while mowing his fields in a Ford farm tractor. After his tractor flipped over and pinned him resulting in the amputation of both of his legs, learn how his daughter’s unconditional love was the only thing that could dig him out of the darkest place in his life. Changing lanes, “Garage Rehab” Project Manager, Russell Holmes, shares how he got into the world of cars with a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro that he bought for $75, and why he knows he can keep pace with co-star, Richard Rawlings. Then, we chat with NASCAR Rookie of the Year, Hailie Deegan, and her father and X-Games Champion, Brian Deegan, about what it’s like to live in a family of wild and fast racers. A family of firsts, Hailie Deegan has become the first female to ever win a NASCAR race, while her little brother is the youngest person ever to perform a backflip on a dirt bike. Shifting gears, Nissan Motor Corporation Truck and SUV/Brand Communications Specialist, Kevin Raftery, fills us in on the new Nissan Titan XD, equipped with a Cummins diesel engine. Next, Collins Bros Jeep’s Dennis and Kelsey Collins discuss their Jeep Wrangler JL Hellcrate, barn finds, and the effect social media has had on the automotive industry. Dave Hall of Restore a Muscle Car and Jeff Catlin of Barrett-Jackson join in on our social media conversation; it can be a useful tool to build excitement for new car projects. Closing the show, Rat Runners Garage Owner, Aaron Hagar, describes his YouTube video series, “Design | Cut | Build”, and how living around Lake Tahoe has helped propel him as a car enthusiast. Don’t miss out on these exclusive interviews from the Craftsman Garage at SEMA 2018.
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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #348
Sometimes the fact that an engine is powerful isn’t enough. You want to feel its strength and hear its roar! That’s why Alan loves a great V8 block. As the 2018 SEMA Show draws nearer, Owner of Collins Bros Jeep, Dennis Collins, shares how he’s upping the ante on 6.4L Hemi Jeep Wrangler JL builds with a 707 hp V8 Hellcat engine. We also hear about some amazing new finds that Dennis has uncovered with his ‘Classics Wanted Dead or Alive’ initiative. Next, Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody, discusses some amazing V8 powered cars for under $30,000, and explains why buying certified pre-owned is usually a much better deal than buying new, thanks to value depreciation. Then, automotive journalist BJ Killeen plays devils advocate for V6 engines like the 3.5L Ford EcoBoost, and gives her review of the 2019 Kia Forte. Switching gears, we take time to remember the amazing life, work, and legacy of Burt Reynolds and the cars he owned, with Restore A Muscle Car Owner/Operator, Dave Hall. Lastly, we close out the show with an interview from two years ago with Burt Reynolds. Rest in peace, Burt, you are missed.
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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.
Our videographer, Stephanie Carlson, recently charged down the Oregon coast in a 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody. According to Dodge, the Widebody Challenger achieves 0-60 MPH in just 3.4…
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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #339
Are you ready to have your senses teased by the latest automotive news? We begin the show with Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, who just attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He gushes about this amazing event that takes place on the estate an English Royal and explains that it was an opportunity for manufacturers to show off their newest designs as well as vintage models. He excitedly sounds off about his opportunity to drive a McLaren 570S Spider and be driven in a McLaren Senna by Bruce Senna up the hill climb at the event. Karl then tells us that he is about to attend an event for the 2018 Mustang Bullitt and for the pure electric Audi e-tron® that they will be racing up Pikes Peak. Changing gears, automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reviews the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Eco which comes with an MSRP of $22,000. This great little car achieves 28-mpg in the city and 37-mph on the highway – talk about efficiency! Then Alan shares his review of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody and tells us that this car is almost as amazing to drive as his Demon. It has a V8 supercharged Hemi, a widebody 26Z package, and had an MSRP of $77,770. Next up, Steven Cole Smith raves about his love for the 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat and tells us that he can’t help but drive around to show it off when he has one. He then talks about the answer to the question that no one is asking – autonomous racing. He doesn’t understand why they are trying to take the human element out of the equation, which is what keeps the races interesting. He also discusses Chevrolet’s lack of success in NASCAR this year and presumes that it is because of the Camaro body they are using. Lastly, we are joined by Chris Duke, Host of Motorz TV, who reviews the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and explains why it is well worth the price. He also riles us up about the Craftsman Re-launch coming up in August, which will feature celebrity guests such as Alan Taylor, Richard Rawlings, Chip Foose, and Wayne Carini. This episode is packed full of automotive goodness you don’t want to miss!
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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #331
We begin the hour with the ultimate fun-haver and World Champion Drifter, Vaughn Gittin, Jr. who recently got the opportunity to test drive the new Ford Raptor. Raving about its ability, Vaughn describes the tech-advanced Ford Raptor as incredibly nimble, and is blown away by the power of the 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine. Then, we’re regailed by Vaughn’s hill climbing adventure in Johnston Valley, and learn about his company, RTR Mustangs. Next, BJ Killeen reviews the National Hardware Show and shares some of her favorite innovations: Windbag, a lift capable of up to 300 pounds; Write in the Rain, a waterproof paper; and a new app called Haultail. Changing lanes, we are joined by the one and only Dennis Collins who gives us a rundown of what they are up to at Black Mountain Jeep. After some convincing, the crew was able to talk the Mopar production team into sending them 15 Hellcat crate engines; the Black Mountain Jeep Hellcrates are going for only $15,660! Dennis tells us that they are up-fitting a new Jeep Wrangler and Trackhawk with one of these engines, talk about horsepower. After that, Executive Editor of Autotrader, Brian Moody, gives us a list of the 10 best cars under $10,000, and discusses one of Autotrader’s most popular articles which pits the Honda Odyssey against the Chrysler Pacifica. Lastly, Haultail’s Public Relations Manager, Cari Kost, discusses their ride share app for pickup drivers and customers that need to have things hauled away. Let us open your eyes to the ever-evolving automotive industry now.
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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #302
Our cars play vital roles in our daily lives and when you buy a new one, you want to know that it will get you to where you need to go. In the devastating aftermath of the hurricane season, there will be many severely damaged cars to keep a wary eye out for. We chat with Kelley Blue Book’s Executive Publisher, Karl Brauer, and automotive journalist, BJ Killeen about the dangers of purchasing a possibly flood damaged car. Be aware of what your new car could be hiding from you. Next, Karl and automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, give their exciting first drive impressions of the 707-HP 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Then, Steven also gives us an update on what is happening in the world of NASCAR. Last but surely not least, JoshCAR’s Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, discusses the new Mercedes G-Class, automotive sales for August, and the Logan Lucky Mustang. All of this and more! Tune in now.