Motorsports

Read more about the article Supercar Test Drives, C8 Corvette, Motorsports, Kia Niro | #378

Supercar Test Drives, C8 Corvette, Motorsports, Kia Niro | #378

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #378

News in the automotive industry abound, and first up to help us decipher it all is Executive Publisher for Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com, Karl Brauer. Did you know that, according to a study, one in five US adults feel pressured into spending more than they should on vehicles? Well, neither did we, but apparently it’s true. Karl also reviews the 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder, chats about Alan’s decision to sell his Dodge Demon in favor of a Toyota Supra, praises the new $60,000 Chevrolet C8 Corvette, discusses the horrendous profit drop facing Nissan, and gives an industry report card. Changing lanes, Automotive Journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, fills us in on his trip to Rome, what he learned about the pooping habits of Colosseum goers, and gives us an update on the world of motorsports. Next up, Manager of Long Range Strategy and Planning at Kia Motors America, Steve Kosowski, explains the three different powertrains of the new 2020 Kia Niro and all of its amazing features. Closing out the show, Co-founder of Cartender, and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, reviews the 2020 Acura RDX and the 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Red Eye. Tune in for the latest auto news and car reviews.

 

  • [00:00:00] Social Pressure of Owning Awesome Cars
  • [00:05:16] 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
  • [00:12:30] Trading Dodge Demon for Toyota Supra
  • [00:19:51] Corvette: An Exotic Killer to the Core
  • [00:27:14] Nissan Faces 99 Percent Profit Drop!
  • [00:35:53] Karl Brauer’s Auto Industry Report Card
  • [00:42:13] Steven Cole Smith’s Colosseum Tour
  • [00:49:27] Taking Care of Business at the Colosseum
  • [00:54:44] Motorsports Update: Rallycross, Indy Car
  • [01:02:04] Kia Niro Comes In Three Amazing Versions
  • [01:10:51] 2020 Acura RDX’s Non Intuitive Console
  • [01:18:06] Challenger Hellcat Red Eye Test Drive

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Continue ReadingSupercar Test Drives, C8 Corvette, Motorsports, Kia Niro | #378
Read more about the article BMW M850i, Toyota Supra, RODS, Motorsports, SUVs, Tariffs | #370

BMW M850i, Toyota Supra, RODS, Motorsports, SUVs, Tariffs | #370

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #370

From race cars to vehicles with a bit of soul and on to a noble cause raising money for orphaned children with Down Syndrome, we’re covering a lot of ground on this episode of THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor. Co-founder of Cartender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, shares about his test drive of the $122,000 2019 BMW M850i, and we discuss the marriage of BMW and Toyota that is the 2020 Toyota Supra. Changing lanes, Long Range Strategy and Product Planning Manager for Kia Motors America, Paul Fisher, tells us exactly what makes the 2020 Kia Soul ‘all new’, from interior to drivetrain, and why you should consider getting a Soul of your own. Next up, Founder of RODS (Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome), Brady Murray, tells the story of how he started the movement and how it’s affected his life so far. He continues to champion the cause of finding homes for orphans with Down Syndrome by fundraising to pay for adoption fees, and they’ve recently celebrated their 50th success. Then, we chat with automotive journalist for Autoweek, Automobile Magazine, Grassroots Motorsports, Steven Cole Smith, about his test drive of a 2019 Ram 3500 Crew Cab Dually, the Indianapolis 500, and Coca-Cola 600 news. Switching gears, President ClassicsDeadOrAlive.com and Social Media & Branding Manager for Black Mountain Jeep, Kelsey Collins, shares her experience with running the Tire Rack One Lap of America endurance race. Closing out the show, Executive Publisher of Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, ponders the question of whether the SUV market has become over saturated and whether tariffs play a role in the slowing of the automotive economy. Tune in for the latest auto news and test drives.

 

  • [00:00:00] The Legacy of the BMW 8 Series
  • [00:06:07] A Marriage of BMW and Toyota
  • [00:12:30] 2019 BMW M850i and 2020 Toyota Supra
  • [00:19:51] What’s So New About the 2020 Kia Soul?
  • [00:27:36] Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome
  • [00:35:51] RODS Looking to Expand to Auto Racing
  • [00:42:12] RAM Makes an Amazing Truck
  • [00:48:20] Bump Day Before the Indy 500
  • [00:54:43] NASCAR 600 and Jayski.com
  • [01:02:04] Kelsey Collins Races One Lap of America
  • [01:12:28] Is the SUV Market Oversaturated?
  • [01:18:05] Tariffs, Interest Rates Hit Auto Sales

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Continue ReadingBMW M850i, Toyota Supra, RODS, Motorsports, SUVs, Tariffs | #370
Read more about the article Infiniti QX80, Jeep Gladiator, Motorsports, and Motoroso | #360

Infiniti QX80, Jeep Gladiator, Motorsports, and Motoroso | #360

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #360

As Emperor Palpatine once said, “Good! Use your aggressive feelings, boy. Let the hate flow through you!” We might not be letting the dark side take control, but we are most definitely letting off some steam about cars that confound us and the sterilization of motorsports. Starting off the show, Co-founder of CarTender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, and U.S. News and World Report, George Kennedy III, gives a glowing review of the 2019 Infiniti QX80. This mammoth sized SUV sports a spacious, luxurious interior, V8 Engine, ample towing capacity, and… a busy infotainment system adorned by a slightly dated touch screen? Also, George discusses electric vehicle battery range in winter, the corporatization of motorsports, and delivers a critical review of the 2019 Nissan Kicks. Shifting gears, automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith, continues the conversation on the decline of NASCAR and the public image issue that was the Daytona 500 race. Steven isn’t without suggestions, and he gives us some of his best (and worst) ideas on how to fix NASCAR. Also, Steven recently got to drive the Jeep Gladiator, and while he can’t tell us much, he can tell us that it is awesome! Closing out the show, Founder and CEO, Alex Littlewood, tells us about his new website, Motoroso. Offering a venue for car nuts to show off their latest projects, link to gear used for the build within a picture, and get inspiration from a community of gear heads, Motoroso is a must-see for all car enthusiasts. Don’t miss this episode of THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor.

 

  • [00:00:00] World of Podcast and the Infiniti QX80
  • [00:06:45] Touch Vs. Analog in Infiniti QX80
  • [00:12:30] Nissan Kicks, Kicked to the Curb
  • [00:19:51] Do Not Judge Too Harshly
  • [00:28:33] Winter EV Battery Range Warning
  • [00:35:52] Motorsports: Corporatized and Sterilized
  • [00:42:12] Does Daytona 500 Make NASCAR Look Bad?
  • [00:48:42] Steven Cole Smith’s “We Fix NASCAR”
  • [00:54:43] Motorsports Well-Check
  • [01:02:04] Attention to Detail in Jeep Gladiator
  • [01:08:49] Tell Your Car’s Story On Motoroso.com
  • [01:18:05] Find Inspiration, Start A New Project

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Continue ReadingInfiniti QX80, Jeep Gladiator, Motorsports, and Motoroso | #360
Read more about the article CAS Review, Demon vs Redeye, Viper Sale, and Collins Bros Jeep | #359

CAS Review, Demon vs Redeye, Viper Sale, and Collins Bros Jeep | #359

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #359

It seems like there’s big news coming out every week around this time of year due to the plethora of international car shows that are taking place, like the Chicago Auto Show (CAS). First up to bat to fill us in on CAS happenings is Autotrader Executive Editor, Brian Moody. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, 2020 Kia Telluride, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gave Brian a lot to be excited about. While a few SUVs and sedans did stand out, the Chicago Auto Show had a clear focus on trucks. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, shares how manufacturers are pushing their trucks further and further, which vehicles caught her eye, and which rides fell flat. Next up, Executive Publisher for Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader.com, and Dealer.com, Karl Brauer, talks about his Rubella scare after the Detroit Auto Show, and the reintroduction of Sublime (a bright green) green to Mopar cars at CAS. Speaking of Mopar cars, Alan and Karl have both had their Dodge Demons for a year and it’s time for their extended review of this beast of a machine. Another monster machine that Alan owns is his 1-of-1 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, but he’s trying to not own it anymore; check out this future classic on ClassicCars.com. Closing the show, Owner of Collins Bros Jeep, Dennis Collins, gushes about the 2019 Dodge SRT Hellcat Redeye; this car loses to the Demon ever so slightly on horsepower, but makes up for it everywhere else. Also, we find out how Black Mountain Jeep’s licensee program works, how the trade wars are affecting business, why Dennis isn’t banking on the restomod market, and what kind of plans Dennis has for the rebirth of the Jeep Gladiator. Tune in for another exciting week of auto show coverage and monster car reviews.

 

  • [00:00:00] 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
  • [00:05:24] Kia Telluride, Subaru Legacy, Shelby GT500
  • [00:12:31] 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI at CAS
  • [00:19:51] 30 Year Anniversaries and Awesome Trucks
  • [00:28:20] BJ’s Top Picks from Chicago Auto Show
  • [00:35:52] New Chevrolet Blazer a Disappointment?
  • [00:42:12] Sublime Green is Back and Rubella Scare
  • [00:48:03] Tesla Loses Tax Credit and Autonomy
  • [00:54:43] Dodge Demon One Year Report Card
  • [01:02:04] It’s Time to Let the 2016 Viper ACR Go
  • [01:09:00] Dodge Redeye and Restomod Market
  • [01:18:04] Black Mountain Jeep, Tariffs, Gladiator

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Continue ReadingCAS Review, Demon vs Redeye, Viper Sale, and Collins Bros Jeep | #359
Read more about the article Automotive Super Bowl Ads, Volvo S90, Brembo, and Motorsports | #358

Automotive Super Bowl Ads, Volvo S90, Brembo, and Motorsports | #358

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #358

From Super Bowl LIII ads to a good old fashioned set of brakes, we’ve got automotive news galore in this week’s episode. First up, we chat with automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, about her favorite Super Bowl LIII commercials, the Chicago Auto Show, and import vehicles. Changing lanes, Co-founder of CarTender and Freelance Automotive Journalist for CarGurus, Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, George Kennedy III, discusses the willful ‘sports ball’ ignorance, the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, winter vehicles, and the exceptional work being done by Jeep and Hyundai. Then, Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us an insider’s look into the film industry, confirming a new entry into the Ghostbusters franchise, and getting us pumped up for Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw. Also, Josh reviews his test drive of the fresh 2019 Volvo S90 sedan; it’s the epitome of luxury. Closing the show, we explore the decline in popularity of paper publications, the amazing story (and brakes) of Brembo, and motorsports news with freelance automotive journalist, Steven Cole Smith. Don’t let this weeks automotive news pass you by.

 

  • [00:00:00] Amazing Age of Automotive Technology
  • [00:05:30] Our Favorite Super Bowl Commercials
  • [00:12:30] Chicago Auto Show and Import Vehicles
  • [00:19:51] Willful Ignorance of the Sports Ball
  • [00:28:30] Halftime and Subaru’s Winter Vehicles
  • [00:35:51] Jeep and Hyundai, Dressed to Impress
  • [00:42:12] Volvo Steps It Up in Luxury Segment
  • [00:48:31] Volvo S90: Only One Engine Option?
  • [00:54:43] “Hobbs and Shaw” and “Ghostbusters”
  • [01:02:04] The Plight of Paper Publications
  • [01:10:53] Brembo, The Only Brakes You’ll Care About
  • [01:18:05] Upcoming Races Update

 

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Continue ReadingAutomotive Super Bowl Ads, Volvo S90, Brembo, and Motorsports | #358
Read more about the article Advances in Auto Tech, New Car Reviews, and Future Motorsports | #287

Advances in Auto Tech, New Car Reviews, and Future Motorsports | #287

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #287

New car technology is rapidly evolving effecting not only our roadways, but racetracks as well. We take the pulse of the industry with leading automotive experts. Automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reviews the 2018 VW Atlas, technology expert, John Ellis, talks about our autonomous car future, and motorsports guru, Steven Cole Smith, discusses spectators’ waning interest in watching professional racing. In some areas of the car world, consumers are moving towards letting go of the wheel, and in other areas they are craving to be more involved. What road are we headed down and how do car lovers feel about it? Find out.

  • [00:00:00] BJ Killeen Works Smarter Not Harder
  • [00:05:30] Volkswagen’s Impressively Large SUV
  • [00:12:30] Stealth Wealth: Undercover Luxury
  • [00:19:50] Katzkin Gives Alan’s 2011 Chevy a Facelift
  • [00:30:11] Autonomous Cars Will Make Our Decisions
  • [00:35:52] Tech Causes Increased Distracted Driving
  • [00:42:12] The Future of Automotive Technology
  • [00:48:24] Autonomous Cars Killed the Radio Star
  • [00:54:44] A Menagerie of Topics for Your Listening Pleasure
  • [01:02:04] R.I.P. Motorsports, We’re Glad We Knew You
  • [01:13:14] The Golden Age of the Automotive World
  • [01:18:05] Focusing on TV, Race Attendance Plummets

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Continue ReadingAdvances in Auto Tech, New Car Reviews, and Future Motorsports | #287
Read more about the article Performance Car Reviews, Top Hybrids, NASCAR News and Upcoming Events | #280

Performance Car Reviews, Top Hybrids, NASCAR News and Upcoming Events | #280

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #280

The ins and outs of the automotive industry have become slightly more in-depth and we love chatting with out experts to stay up to date on all the changes. Steven Cole Smith dispels some confusion on NASCAR’s new format and reviews the new Camaro ZL1. Autotrader’s Brian Moody gives us some inside information on buying a new car, reviews the best interiors of 2017, and raves about the Chevrolet Bolt. Then, we chat with BJ Killeen about the 2017 Jeep Compass and the best-in-class Hyundai Ioniq hybrid. Michael Austin, Editor-in-Chief of Autoblog, discusses the Camaro 1LE package and some surprising facts about new, high-performance car warranties. Rounding out the show is Dick Messer who dishes on the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and what sets it apart from other classic car shows.

 

  • [00:00:00] NASCAR’s New Rules Confuse Longtime Fans
  • [00:06:20] New Format for NASCAR Creates More ‘Action’
  • [00:12:19] 500-Mile Test Drive with the New Camaro ZL1
  • [00:19:28] Autotrader Makes Buying a New Car Easy
  • [00:28:35] Autotrader Reviews Best Car Interiors Under $50k
  • [00:35:21] Pure Electric Chevrolet Bolt Exceeds Expectations
  • [00:41:35] 2017 Jeep Compass Off-road Capabilities
  • [00:47:35] Comfort Comes Stock with 2017 Jeep Compass
  • [00:53:52] Hyundai Ioniq is Best-in-Class for Fuel Economy
  • [01:01:06] Camaro 1LE Satisfies Our Horsepower Craving
  • [01:09:28] Track Racing May Void New Car Warranties
  • [01:16:50] Fall in Love with Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

 

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Continue ReadingPerformance Car Reviews, Top Hybrids, NASCAR News and Upcoming Events | #280