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

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

Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai Sonata Eco, and Chevy Traverse | #339

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!

 

  • [00:00:00] Goodwood Festival of Speed
  • [00:06:05] McLaren Senna Tops the Bucket List
  • [00:12:30] Weight, Torque, and Horsepower
  • [00:19:51] Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody
  • [00:29:36] 2018 Hyundai Sonata
  • [00:35:53] Dueling Car Reviews
  • [00:42:14] Hellcats Deserve Amazing Praise
  • [00:48:30] Autonomous Racing at Goodwood
  • [00:54:45] Chevrolet Falls Short in NASCAR
  • [01:02:06] Alan’s Alaskan Adventure
  • [01:11:21] Craftsman Re-Launch in August
  • [01:18:08] 2019 Chevrolet Traverse

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Continue ReadingGoodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai Sonata Eco, and Chevy Traverse | #339

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

Breakdowns, Travel Tips, Infiniti QX30, and More | #303

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #303

How can you prepare for the era of mobility? Automotive journalist BJ Killeen shares tips on what to do when you break down in a heavily trafficked area. She also discusses the Mercedes-Benz X-Class concept truck which is not exactly what you would expect. Veering down a different path, Chris Sheldrick, CEO of What3Words, sounds off about their revolutionary new navigation system that has covered the entire world. Next, TravelPulse Founder, Mark Murphy, discusses traveling after a natural disaster and gives advice on the best way to plan your trip. Switching gears, Chris Duke, Host of Motorz, reviews the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, and talks with us about Apple’s newest release, the iPhone X. We then explore Haynes automotive manuals with their Vice President, Mike Forsythe. We end the hour with Autotrader’s Michelle Krebs who discusses post-hurricane vehicle values and sales increase. Listen now.

  • [00:00:00] Thoughts Go Out to Hurricane Victims
  • [00:06:11] Broke Down on a Busy Highway
  • [00:12:26] Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept Truck
  • [00:19:48] What3Words Navigates the Entire World
  • [00:28:19] Media Can Ruin a Beautiful Travel Destination
  • [00:35:53] Vacation with Assurance Through a Travel Agent
  • [00:42:13] Infiniti QX30 is a Premium Cross-Over
  • [00:49:06] 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Review
  • [00:54:45] Apple iPhone X Has Been Announced
  • [01:02:07] Give the Gift of Automotive Knowledge
  • [01:11:11] Know the Value of Used Vehicles Before You Buy
  • [01:18:01] Jeep is For Sale but to Whom?

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Continue ReadingBreakdowns, Travel Tips, Infiniti QX30, and More | #303

Jeep Trackhawk Drive Experience, Flood Cars, and More | #302

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.

  • [00:00:00] Auto Sales in Aftermath of Hurricane Season
  • [00:06:24] Hurricanes Create a Plague in Car Industry
  • [00:12:31] Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is Here
  • [00:19:52] KIA Rio Integrates Easily into Your Life
  • [00:27:43] Don’t Be Fooled – Buyer BEWARE!
  • [00:35:56] Huge Unveilings Coming Soon to Car Shows
  • [00:42:16] Answer to Power: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
  • [00:48:33] Be Careful What You Tweet NASCAR Drivers
  • [00:54:48] What Will Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Fans Do?
  • [01:02:09] Mercedes G-Class is Becoming More Luxurious
  • [01:10:23] August Auto Sales Better Than Expected
  • [01:18:12] Dodge Demon, Viper, and Logan Lucky Mustang

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Continue ReadingJeep Trackhawk Drive Experience, Flood Cars, and More | #302

Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of LeMons, Audi R8 V10, and More | #290

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #290

From wrecks at the Indianapolis 500 to sexy supercar reviews, this episode is full of excitement! We hear from CEO of Justice Brothers, Ed Justice, Jr., about his exciting experience at the Indy 500. Then, automotive journalist, George Kennedy, tells us about the creative cars at 24 Hours of LeMons, and his excitement over the upcoming Barrett-Jackson in Connecticut. Brian Armstead, automotive journalist for Roadfly, reviews his new love, the 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus. RACER Magazine’s Steven Cole Smith tells us about a 69 year old sprint car race called the Little 500. We end the hour with Autotrader’s Michelle Krebs who tell us about the current state of dealerships.

  • [00:00:00] Scott Dixon Had One Crazy Week
  • [00: 05:45] Takuma Sato Takes Indy 500 Win
  • [00:12:30] Surprises at the Indianapolis 500
  • [00:19:51] 24 Hours of LeMons $500 Car Race
  • [00:28:14] Inside the 2017 Toyota RAV4
  • [00:35:52] Barrett-Jackson Comes to Mohegan Sun
  • [00:42:13] Audi R8 V10 Plus Wakes the Neighbors
  • [00:48:59] 2017 Audi R8 V10: A Street Racecar
  • [00:54:43] 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus is a Drive Machine
  • [01:02:04] The Little 500, A Don’t-Miss 69-Year-Old Race
  • [01:11:38] Auto Buying Trends Affecting Car Dealers
  • [01:18:04] Sales of SUVs Continue to Rise

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Continue ReadingIndianapolis 500, 24 Hours of LeMons, Audi R8 V10, and More | #290