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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Monterey Car Week from Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2018 | #342

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #342

Monterey Car Week was in full swing last weekend, and Alan sat down with some of the best guys the car hobby has to offer at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. First off, Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO, Ed Justice, Jr., was blown away by the auction of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which sold for an astounding $48.5 million, awe inspiring historic races, an unrestored IndyCar from the 60s, and a rare 1970 Ferrari 512S Modulo Pininfarina Coupe. Monterey Car Week truly is a window into the automotive past. Next, Ken Eberts, President and Co-Founder of the Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS), shares his journey from New York City’s High School of Music and Art to co-founding AFAS. With a mission to legitimize and promote the work of its members, and build a fellowship among automotive fine artists and enthusiasts, AFAS has been attending Pebble Beach Concours since 1986. Then, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company Chairman and CEO, Craig Jackson, fills us in on new projects he has in the works, including two of the three-car limited run of 1967 Shelby GT500s, Little Red and the Green Hornet. Craig is making use of crowdsourced photos, information, and parts to help restore these beauties to their original glory. Also, we get a snapshot of upcoming Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2018 where a very special 2015 Shelby GT350 will be auctioned off to benefit the Driven Hearts Charity Initiative. Changing gears, ACURA Executive Creative Director for Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Dave Marek, mentions his new podcast, Man Seeks Adventure, and and how he’s drawing inspiration for a designer like Dave Marek is in abundance at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Switching lanes, Wade Kawasaki and Corky Coker of Coker Tire Group, Chasing Classic Cars Host, Wayne Carini, and Meguiar’s President, Barry Meguiar, discuss all things Pebble Beach, Coker Tire Group, Chasing Classic Cars, SEMA, Car Crazy, and mustache related. Wayne Carini has three classic cars on the green at Pebble Beach: a 1954 Studebaker, Osca MT4 TN, and a Bugatti Type 57SC. Wayne isn’t worried about winning any awards, showcasing his cars at Pebble Beach is a win of its own. As Wayne Carini, Corky Coker, and Wade Kawasaki depart, Barry Meguiar is left in the middle of an Alan Taylor sandwich! Classic Car Restorer Alan Taylor’s reputation as one of the best car restorers in the hobby precedes him, and he gives us the details on his 1949 Delahaye Gilroy bodied Cabriolet he is showing at Pebble Beach. Alan shares the story of a Bugatti he had on the lawn at Pebble Beach a few years ago whose legitimacy came into question. Then, Kelley Blue Book’s Karl Brauer shares his highlights from Monterey Car Week, from a stunning 1937 Cadillac Series 90 Hartmann Cabriolet to the premier of the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition at the Laguna Seca race track. We catch up with Barry Meguiar to close out our 25th show from Pebble Beach, as he fills us in on the brand new Preservation Award. Last, we discuss the truly amazing 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta took home the Best in Show award. If you missed out on Monterey Car Week this year, be sure to get your tickets now for the 2019 event! If you love cars, you’ll love Monterey Car Week.

 

  • [00:00:00] Welcome to 2018 Pebble Beach!
  • [00:06:11] Rich History at Monterey Car Week
  • [00:12:30] Automotive Fine Art Society
  • [00:19:51] Little Red and the Green Hornet
  • [00:28:16] Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Preview
  • [00:35:52] “Man Seeks Adventure” and Inspiration
  • [00:42:12] Coker Tire Group Crashes the Party
  • [00:48:29] Osca MT4 TN and Bugatti Type 57SC
  • [00:54:43] Respect Between Brothers
  • [01:02:04] Alan Taylor Sandwich
  • [01:11:46] Karl Brauer’s Top Pebble Beach Picks
  • [01:18:05] The All New Preservation Award

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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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24 Hours of Le Mans, J.D. Power Initial Quality, and 2018 Range Rover HSE | #337

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #337

Being an automotive journalist is an exciting way to live and we get to talk with our favorites that have nothing short of amazing stories to tell us. Ed Justice, Jr. starts the show off by describing his first time attending 24 Hours of Le Mans. While Justice Brothers have sponsored cars and even won the event once, Ed was excited to finally attend and was blown away by the truly epic nature of this race. He also notes that he noticed that Porsche presence at Le Mans was so grand and it was great to experience that. Lastly, Ed tells us that in August he is looking forward to emceeing Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Concours on the Avenue, one of the only free events of Monterey Car Week. Next, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, Karl Brauer, discusses the new Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye and tells us that he doesn’t think it will eclipse their beloved Dodge Demon. Karl covers Tesla’s latest news; they have recently announced that they were able to produce 7,000 cars in seven days. He expresses that this production is not enough after everything that Elon Musk has promised and Karl wonders how long stockholders will put up with these delivery methods. Changing gears, Dave Sargent of J.D. Power covers their recent Initial Quality Study and sounds off that Hyundai as a parent company has taken the top three spots –  Genesis (#1), Kia (#2), and Hyundai (#3). Hyundai has only gotten better in the last few years and it is no surprise. Dave also describes other studies that J.D. Power does and while many are important the Initial Quality is the one everyone keeps their eyes on. Then, Russell Ure of Raven, describes their app and device that allows you to connect your older car to the IoT (Internet of Things). They even have special interior and exterior cameras that will allow you to stream real-time videos to your phone, even if you’re thousands of miles away from where the event is. Raven, at only $299, could provide you with extra assurance that you’re loved ones are safe on their drive even if you’re not with them. To end the show, we are joined by BJ Killeen and she reviews the 2018 Kia Rio, which for an affordable everyday car is pretty amazing and offers things such as AppleCar Play and 32-MPG combined. Alan also reviews the 2018 Range Rover HSE and raves about its luxurious comfort and insane off-road capability. He is astounded to announce that this large SUV even averages 28-MPG on the highway.  Last but not least, he pits his test drive of the Range Rover against the 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label and notes that he could see it taking a long time to decide which car he would want to put in his garage. BJ exclaims that she would choose the Navigator because Lincoln has second to none customer service and that has won her over since the beginning. We all have something we are looking for when it comes to the machine that carries us from place to place. What will win you over about your next ride?

 

  • [00:00:00] 24 Hours of Le Mans
  • [00:06:06] Porsche at Le Mans
  • [00:12:30] Concours on the Avenue
  • [00:19:51] Hellcat Redeye vs. Demon
  • [00:28:56] Challenger’s Effective Recipe
  • [00:35:53] Tesla’s 7,000 Cars in 7 Days
  • [00:42:14] J.D. Power Initial Quality Study
  • [00:47:59] Customers Want Dependability
  • [00:54:45] Raven: IoT for Your Older Car
  • [01:02:06] 2018 Range Rover HSE
  • [01:10:21] 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label
  • [01:18:07] 2018 Kia Rio: a Perfect Daily Driver

 

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2018 Land Rover Discovery, The Bandit Run, and Tesla | #334

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | #334

Automobiles just keeping wowing us with their advances in technology and innovative designs. Automotive journalist, George Kennedy, joins us to review the 2018 Land Rover Discovery and he was impressed. He got behind the wheel of the gas-powered V6 model and raves about its ability to truly go anywhere. It also has an amazing towing capacity and an extra package that features Advanced Tow Assist which can help you park a trailer safely. Are you ready to adventure in luxury? Next, Ed Justice, Jr. of Justice Brothers updates us on the results of the Indy 500. Then, we hear the latest on the 2018 Bandit Run from Restore a Muscle Car’s, Dave Hall, which will take place June 20-23. He tells us that they will be doing some events with Burt Reynolds in his hometown of Jupiter, Florida. It’s time for all of you Trans Am fans to pull them out of the garage and hit the road. Changing lanes, Executive Publisher of Kelley Blue Book, Karl Brauer, begins his interview by discussing the Honda Sensing technology, which has combined five features to create a fairly advanced driver assistance package. He then goes on to discuss his brand new set of street tires for the Dodge Demon and explains that they are fairly priced for quality, high performance Pirelli P ZEROS. Keeping in tune with performance, he explains that the 2020 Mustang GT 500 may give the Dodge Demon a run for its money in the future, and not just in a straight line. Karl then covers the recent Twitter unraveling featuring the media against Elon Musk. Switching gears, automotive journalist, Brian Armstead of Roadfly, gushes about his test drive in the 2019 Hyundai Veloster, and explains that he, at 6’9”, fits comfortably in this great ride. The Veloster is a tight package and this upgraded, updated, refreshed Veloster will be a hit with the young folks that want to tune their cars and add their own expressions. The base MSRP is $18,500 and can even jump up to the Ultimate for $28,150, giving consumers an amazing range and all the bells and whistles for the top trim model. Last but not least, automotive journalist, Jason Fogelson, reviews the 2018 Kia Rio 5-door and tells us that he was pleasantly surprised. The Rio has base price of $16,400 and a top trim EX package coming in at $18,700, which are both a steal for this amazing car. He then goes on to discuss safety on the road as the season of road trips approach us. Jason discusses tire safety and gives helpful tips on how to keep an eye on their integrity. Tune in now if you’re ready to hit the road with your mind full of automotive knowledge.

 

  • [00:00:00] 2018 Land Rover Discovery
  • [00:06:06] Impressive Towing Power
  • [00:12:30] Tesla’s Market Growth
  • [00:19:51] A Hot Day At the Track
  • [00:28:10] Winner of Indy 500
  • [00:35:53] 2018 Bandit Run
  • [00:42:13] Honda Sensing Technology
  • [00:48:41] Demon Street Tires
  • [00:54:44] Tesla Twitter Unraveling
  • [01:02:05] Hyundai Veloster Refreshed
  • [01:10:29] 2018 Kia Rio
  • [01:18:07] Tire Safety Tips

 

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Aston Martin Valkyrie, Sales of EV Cars, Dodge Demon and More | #295

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #295

Whether you’re into muscle, horsepower, electric vehicles, or even celebrity car guys, we’ve got a little something for every gearhead. Automotive journalist BJ Killeen reviews the luxurious 2018 Lincoln Navigator and tells us about the pure glamour of this large SUV. Next, we chat with Michelle Krebs, Senior Analyst at Autotrader, who talks about the fate of sedans, the sales of EVs, and gives some insight on Tesla. Then, we talk with Greg Migliore, Editor-in-Chief of Autoblog, who takes us on a journey into the future with discussions on the 2020 Ford Bronco and Aston Martin Valkyrie. He also has some inside information on his co-worker’s  test drive of the Dodge Demon and the power of the  Jeep Trackhawk. We end the hour with excitement from Ed Justice, Jr., President and CEO of Justice Brothers, Inc., about Monterey Car Week. This week is full of must attend parties including Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival and The Quail. Tune in.

  • [00:00:00] Rapid Changes in the Automotive Hobby
  • [00:06:23] 2018 Lincoln Navigator Exudes Excellence
  • [00:12:30] Expedition and Navigator Shared Platform
  • [00:19:51] Utility Vehicles Replace Sedan Sales
  • [00:26:52] Will Tesla Model 3 Live Up to Expectations?
  • [00:35:51] EV Sales Less the 1% of Auto Market
  • [00:42:11] We Eagerly Await the 2020 Ford Bronco
  • [00:48:12] The Future is the Aston Martin Valkyrie
  • [00:54:42] Dodge Demon and Jeep Trackhawk Represent
  • [01:02:03] Monterey Car Week is Just Around the Corner
  • [01:10:30] Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld Wouldn’t Miss It
  • [01:18:01] Exclusive, Sophisticated Parties at Pebble Beach

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Customized Luxury | #263

 THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #263

Disneyland is where dreams come true for kids. Is there anything like that for adults? If your pocketbook is big enough, you just might be able to live out your wildest desire through The Bluefish Group! Plus, we find out what life is like in the spotlight for Bitchin’ Rides star Dave Kindig. It’s time to talk shop alongside some of our favorite contributors!

 

  • [00:00:00] This Week in Racing
  • [00:06:41] Talent Isn’t Enough Anymore
  • [00:12:30] Gordon Family Tragedy
  • [00:19:54] The Unexpected
  • [00:31:21] Investing in the Viper
  • [00:35:57] These Changing Times
  • [00:42:17] Bitchin’ Rides
  • [00:47:29] Kindig It Designs
  • [00:54:50] Season Premier
  • [01:02:01] Walking in Boots’s Boots
  • [01:11:28] Auto Smarts with Dan Longenette
  • [01:18:06] Man’s Second Best Friend
  • [01:24:27] The Bluefish Group
  • [01:30:37] The Billionaire Whisperer
  • [01:36:58] Your Wildest Dreams
  • [01:44:19] Driving Vices
  • [01:53:25] Motorz Check In
  • [02:00:23] 2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special

 

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