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 2 | #351

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.

 

  • [00:00:00] Discovery’s #3, “Chasing Classic Cars”
  • [00:06:38] Origins of “Chasing Classic Cars”
  • [00:12:31] Balancing Work and Outdoor Fun
  • [00:19:51] Larry Koester’s Tractor Tragedy
  • [00:27:06] Inspiration from the Mouth of Babes
  • [00:35:51] Russell Holmes on a Mission to Give Back
  • [00:42:11] Hailie Deegan NASCAR Rookie of the Year
  • [00:46:03] Deegan Family Born to Race
  • [00:54:42] Nissan Titan XD Cummins Diesel
  • [01:02:03] Jeep Wrangler JL Hellcrate at SEMA
  • [01:08:40] Social Media’s Impact on Auto Hobby
  • [01:18:03] Aaron Hagar and Rat Runners Garage

 

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Hellcrate Jeep Wrangler at SEMA, V8s, Kia Forte, and Burt Reynolds | #348

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.

 

  • [00:00:00] Hellcrate Jeep JL at SEMA
  • [00:06:01] Wanted Dead or Alive Part 2
  • [00:12:30] Vehicle Value Depreciatio
  • [00:19:52] Nothing Beats the Growl of a V8
  • [00:29:43] Subaru Does Technology Right
  • [00:35:53] Buy Certified Pre-Owned Trucks!
  • [00:42:13] V8 Engines: Dinosaurs or Not?
  • [00:48:33] Volvo V60 – New Age of Station Wagons
  • [00:54:44] 2019 Kia Forte is an Amazing Deal
  • [01:02:05] Burt Reynolds’ Cars at Barrett-Jackson
  • [01:10:46] Remembering Burt Reynolds
  • [01:18:06] Our Last Words with Burt Reynolds

 

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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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Ford Raptor, Hellcrates, and Haultail | #331

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.

 

  • [00:00:00] Ford Raptor Gets Put to the Test
  • [00:06:03] Raptors Baja Mode Gets it Done
  • [00:12:30] RTR Mustangs Take on Anything
  • [00:19:51] National Hardware Show
  • [00:28:31] Impressive New Products
  • [00:34:53] 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i
  • [00:42:14] Hellcrates from Black Mountain Jeep
  • [00:47:36] Demon Now a Collector Car
  • [00:54:45] Up-fitting 2018 Jeep Wrangler
  • [01:02:06] 10 Best Used Cars Under $10,000
  • [01:10:50] Honda Odyssey vs Chrysler Pacifica
  • [01:18:08] Haultail Helps You Pick-up and Haul

 

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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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LA Auto Show, Kia Stinger, and 2018 Jeep Wrangler | #314

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #314

Alan is back from his insane month of traveling; we catch up with some of our favorite contributors. We begin the hour with JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, who shares his experience at the LA Auto Show, and discusses Nissan’s involvement with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Next, automotive journalist BJ Killen joins in on the fun to chat about the CES, North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), and the merging of the technology and the automotive industries. Then, BJ talks about the exciting new KIA Stinger, a car which marks Kia’s shift in the market from economy to luxury. Changing lanes, Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, reviews the Black Label Lincoln Navigator, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, and explains yearly sales as we creep into 2018. Get up to speed with us before the new year rolls in.

  • [00:00:00] Back After a Month of Traveling
  • [00:06:13] Nissan and Star Wars: The Last Jedi
  • [00:12:30] Lincoln Unveils the 2019 Nautilus
  • [00:19:53] Automotive Industry Transforms to Mobility
  • [00:26:40] Tesla Electric Semi-Trucks Are Coming
  • [00:35:55] Bollinger B1 Lights Up Lobby of LA Auto Show
  • [00:42:15] Kia Stinger: Quality High Performance
  • [00:48:39] A Tremendous Departure from Cheap
  • [00:54:46] Ford Takes on Pick-up Truck Market
  • [01:02:08] Lincoln Reestablishes Itself as Luxury
  • [01:11:17] Hurricanes Save 2017 Auto Sales
  • [01:18:09] Iconic Jeep Wrangler Redesign Rocks

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Volvo’s Autonomous Promise, Toyota C-HR, and More | #301

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #301

We all know that there is a bit of nervousness that comes into any conversation about autonomous cars. The fact is they are here to stay; it’s time to start looking at how to adapt. We chat with automotive journalist BJ Killeen about her recent trip to test Volvo’s newest fleet. Russell Datz, National Media Relations Manager for Volvo Car USA, shares about some large promises they are making to help assure their buyers that they put safety and quality first. Changing lanes, Autoblog Editor-in-Chief, Greg Migliore, fills us in on his experience with Monterey Car Week, his thoughts on the Durango SRT, and addresses the rumor of the Jeep pickup truck. Then, Executive Editor for Autotrader, Brian Moody, tells us about great rides for man’s best friend, and the higher taxes that will come with autonomous cars. We end the hour with George Kennedy, automotive journalist for The Boston Globe, reviewing the new Toyota C-HR, which was originally designed to be a Scion. It’s time you got up to speed, listen now.

  • [00:00:00] BJ Killeen Drives New Volvo Fleet in Colorado
  • [00:06:33] 100% Responsibility for Volvo Autonomous Cars
  • [00:12:30] V90 is Bringing the Love for Wagons Back
  • [00:19:51] The Most Awarded Luxury SUV of the Century
  • [00:28:00] By 2019 All Volvo’s Will Be Somewhat Electrified
  • [00:35:53] Volvo Stands the Test of the Generations
  • [00:42:14] Durango SRT is a Muscle Car of an SUV
  • [00:47:55] Ford Ranger Raptor and Jeep Scrambler?
  • [00:54:45] Top Notch Rides for Man’s Best Friend
  • [01:02:06] Higher Taxes for Self-Driving Cars
  • [01:08:39] Toyota C-HR Has A lot of Bold Style
  • [01:18:07] What Exactly is a LeMons Race?

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